Possible alternatives for chromium trioxide as a plating agent for use in general manufacturing

One of the goals of the European REACH regulation is the progressive replacement of substances of very high concern (e.g. carcinogens) by safer alternatives. Companies that use these substances, actively search for safer alternatives (less dangerous substances, new technologies and processes), and report about these alternatives. Below you will find the information on possible alternatives for chromium trioxide, included in the different applications for authorisation received so far by ECHA. To obtain further details, please follow the link to the full dossier.Below you can find possible alternatives for chromium trioxide as a plating agent for sanitary materials. All alternatives refer to the chromium trioxide described below.

Chromium trioxide

EC-number: 215-607-8
CAS-number: 1333-82-0
Use: The use of Chromium Trioxide in chrome plating of objects
Technical function: Plating agent for use in general manufacturing

Most promising alternative:

Trivalent chromium (CrIII) plating

Other Alternatives:
Different (groups of) companies have researched possible alternatives to replace chromium trioxide. Even if these alternatives may not have been chosen for their particular case, they may still be an appropriate option for other cases.

Physical Vapour Deposition (PVD)
Chemical vapour deposition
Nickel alloy electroplating
Electroless Nickel alloy plating
Chromium (III)-based plating with nickel sublayer
Drum coating
Powder coating, melting phase
Powder coating, thermal spraying
Vacuum deposition of thin films
Thermal treatment – Case hardening
Digital printing as substitute of the RSP technology
Molybdate planting
High velocity oxygen fuel spray (HVOF)
Salt bath nitriding

More detailed information

All research efforts by companies have been documented in reports. The following ECHA-dossiers are available about possible alternatives for chromium trioxide as a plating agent for sanitary materials:

Factsheet Chromium VI

For more general information about the risks of Chromium VI and measures to take to prevent exposure, please have a look at the factsheet Chromium VI (available in many EU-languages).