REACH regulation limitations have led to a significant reduction in sector activity.
The project proposes several methods without hexavalent chromium, which is highly toxic to human health and the environment.
Training will be conducted to implement new proposals in local Spanish, Portuguese, and French industries, aiming to build capacity in the sector.
The RESINSURF project, part of the INTERREG SUDOE Program and coordinated by CIDETEC Surface Engineering, is aimed at developing surface treatments without hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), used in industries such as metal galvanizing, pigment production, and leather tanning. This is a highly toxic and carcinogenic compound, harmful to both human health and the environment. For this reason, the EU banned its use in September 2017, under the REACH regulation, with a temporary extension allowing limited use until 2024. This makes it urgent to find alternatives so that the industry dedicated to the sector does not disappear, which in recent years has suffered an exodus of activity to countries outside the EU where these regulations do not apply.
RESINSURF, through the implementation of alternative sustainable technologies, will prioritize knowledge transfer and professional training through seminars, workshops, and open days, thus empowering both professionals and companies in the SUDOE territory, helping to maintain regional employment.
Companies in the sector such as Titania (Spain), Prifer (Portugal), or Chrome Dur Industriel (France) participate in the project, with whom the solutions offered by RESINSURF will be put into practice. In parallel, it is planned to work with policymakers, with the aim of encouraging policies that facilitate the transition to the surface finishing industry.
This project, funded with a budget of almost 2 million euros, also counts on the participation of other entities from the SUDOE territory, such as Ineosurf, Universidade de Aveiro, Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, Smallmatek, and the Association of Surface Finishing Industries (AIAS).