Danish polymer coating firm Accoat uses Chromic acid in its polymer coating products. Although Chromic acid usage is not currently regulated, this component may require authorisation before use in the future. After discussions with us, it became clear that Accoat will have a fair chance to find an alternative solution and phase out the use of Chromic acid before such authorisation becomes mandatory.
Accoat is a Danish firm located in an industrial area in Northern Sealand, Denmark. The company specialises in the polymer coating of steel/metal items, to enable them to withstand highly corrosive environments. Accoat has been delivering such surface solutions to a wide variety of industries since 1969.
The coatings produced by the company are based on a compound known as Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Chromic acid (chromium VI) is used in the primer. However, Chromic acid has been identified as a substance of very high concern, with respect to health, safety and environmental risk. The Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) – a European Union Regulation – has come forward with these concerns. Thus, Chromic acid, which currently does not require authorisation for use, may do so in the future. As such, Accoat is in the process of developing and testing alternative techniques to phase out the use of the Chromic acid – before authorisation becomes compulsory.
Accoat engaged us in discussions regarding this challenge. As a result, certain points were clarified:
- The current use of Chromic acid does not exceed 1 tonne/year
- Accoat is exempt from the registration of the current use of Chromic acid to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Accoat only need to declare the use to ECHA
- Accoat stands a good chance of finding alternatives before an authorisation of use may become compulsory within EU