Hexavalent chromium is a highly useful chemical in various industries, but it is also very dangerous for health and the environment. It is commonly used for metal coating, making paints, and treating leather, but it can cause cancer and contaminate water and soil. For this reason, the European Union banned it in 2017, although it allowed its continued use in small quantities until 2024. This has created a problem for companies that use it, as they need to find safe alternatives quickly.
The RESINSURF project
To address this challenge, the RESINSURF project was created. Its main objective is to develop new ways of treating surfaces without using hexavalent chromium, especially in the process called “hard chrome plating”.
RESINSURF has two important goals:
(1) Create new, safer, and more environmentally friendly technologies to replace hexavalent chromium.
(2) Teach students and professionals how to use these new technologies.
How the project works
RESINSURF is working in several countries in southern Europe (Spain, France, and Portugal).
The plan includes:
> Developing two pilot projects to test the new technologies.
> Using digital systems to monitor these new processes.
> Testing these technologies in real companies.
> Organizing courses, workshops, and events to teach about these new techniques.
> Sharing information about advancements through social media and industrial associations.
> Using digital systems to monitor these new processes.
> Testing these technologies in real companies.
> Organizing courses, workshops, and events to teach about these new techniques.
> Sharing information about advancements through social media and industrial associations.
This project will help companies continue working without using dangerous products, thus protecting workers’ health and the environment, while complying with new European Union regulations.
