The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has proposed a wide-ranging restriction on the use of hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) compounds. Known as potent workplace carcinogens, these substances are already subject to REACH authorisation – but could now face a general ban across the EU1.
For businesses involved in metal pre-treatment – particularly aluminium – this signals a fundamental regulatory shift. Some still rely on Cr(VI)-based processes, yet technically viable alternatives are already available.
What the ECHA proposal includes
The draft regulation aims to prohibit most Cr(VI) uses, with only a few industrial exceptions. Affected categories include:
- Electroplating on metals or plastics
- Formulation of mixtures
- Primers and slurry coatings
- Other surface treatment processes
- Use as functional additives or processing aids
Exceptions would be subject to strict occupational exposure and emission limits. The restriction also includes barium chromate, to prevent substitution loopholes. The public consultation is open until 18 December 2025.2
Proven progress: Over 25 years of chromium-free innovation
Alufinish began investing in chromium-free surface technologies long before regulatory restrictions were in sight. What started as a forward-looking development effort in the 1990s has since evolved into a globally recognised product family: ENVIROX.
The following timeline outlines key milestones in the development of Alufinish’s chromium-free pre-treatment systems – from early silicate-based approaches to today’s multi-metal sol-gel innovations.
Timeline: Chromium-free development at Alufinish
1996
Start of active development of chromium-free pre-treatment systems at Alufinish.
1997
Launch of ENVIROX A (Alfipas 740) – a silicate-based process for dipping applications only.
1997
Introduction of ENVIROX S (Alfipas 745 / 746) – a titanium-based process suitable for spray, dip and flushing application. Tested, approved system complies with GSB International and Qualicoat standards. Successfully tested in long-term outdoor weathering conditions (> 10 years).
2000
Development of ENVIROX NR (No Rinse, Alficoat 748 / 748-3) – a water-saving, Cr-free pre-treatment requiring no final rinsing. Still one of the most widely used Cr-free systems worldwide for aluminium pre-treatment.Tested, approved system complies with GSB International and Qualicoat standards. Successfully tested in long-term outdoor weathering conditions (> 10 years).
2010
Introduction of ENVIROX SG (Alfipas 7816) – a zirconium-based sol-gel system for iron, steel, aluminium and zinc. Approved for Al pretreatment according to Qualicoat and GSB International. Successfully tested in long-term outdoor weathering too (>10 years).
Proven alternatives in industrial use
The ENVIROX NR system (product Alficoat 748 resp. Alficoat 748/3) was already developed at the end of the 90s, then tested and approved for applications on aluminium surfaces by renowned quality communities (Qualicoat, GSB International). It was even subjected to the 10-year outdoor weathering test specified by GSB International in Hoek van Holland – passing it successfully.
Alficoat 748 (748/3) provides outstanding corrosion protection prior to applying paint as well as improving the adhesion properties as a result of its polymer content. This “no-rinse” (NR) system has been in use in many countries mostly for projects in exterior architecture for more than 20 years. Additional fields of application are, e.g., mechanical engineering and medical technology.3
Use case: ELVIAL, Greece – chromium-free since 2000
One of the earliest practical implementations of ENVIROX NR took place at ELVIAL, a major aluminium extruder in Greece. The first Cr-free Alufinish pre-treatment line went into operation there in 2000 using Alficoat 748/3. In 2005, ELVIAL built a new vertical pre-treatment plant using flushing technology – fully based on chrome-free ENVIROX NR.
Since then, ENVIROX NR has treated thousands of tonnes of aluminium profiles worldwide, with consistently excellent surface quality. The system uses no final rinsing, requires low chemical input and is certified by quality communities.
Today, ELVIAL is regarded as one of a model for successful chromium-free large-scale production – combining advanced automation, energy efficiency and long-term performance.4
„After 13 years of operation, the chromium-free ENVIROX NR process is fully established in the vertical line at ELVIAL and provides the consistently high level of surface quality demanded by customers.“
(Thomas Sondermann, Alufinish, 2018)
From regulation to solution: Ready-made options instead of uncertainty
The proposed restriction underlines that hexavalent chromium will soon disappear from most industrial applications. Yet the technological solutions for Cr-free production are not new – they have been developed, certified and implemented for decades.
Companies seeking reliable alternatives do not need to wait. ENVIROX systems offer a mature, tested and globally applied approach for compliance, performance and sustainability.
Useful links to further information:
- Main page of the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency)
- Information about chemicals
- Candidate list of SVHC substances
- REACH–CLP–Biocides–Nanomaterials Helpdesk
- Information on GPS (III. Good Practice Sheets for Uses of Chromium Trioxide)
Sources
- Europäische Chemikalienagentur (ECHA), Restrictions under consideration
EuropaSubmitted restrictions under consideration – ECHA ↩︎ - IHK Südlicher Oberrhein, Meldung vom 18.06.2025
IhkKonsultation zum geplanten Chrom-VI-Verbot ↩︎ - Produktbroschüren zu ENVIROX
AlufinishENVIROX NR system – Alufinish ↩︎ - Sondermann, T.: Chromium-Free Pretreatment at ELVIAL,
International PAINT&COATING magazine, Nr. 53, Sept/Okt 2018, S. 24–26 ↩︎