In previous years, the focus of Chromium 2030 was on the status of authorization and the possibilities of chromium trioxide substitution. This year, the focus was on sustainability as a whole, which, in addition to REACH compliance and chromium trioxide substitution, included the pillars of circular economy and climate neutrality .
Information on the current approval status under REACH as well as practical experience in converting to chromium(VI)-free processes was provided by Andreas Baumbach and FGK board member Stefan Tilke from Saxonia Galvanik GmbH. SEAC assessed the substitution plan submitted by the FGK in October 2020 as credible in mid-2021. The FGK assumes that the EU Commission will follow the assessment of the ECHA expert bodies (SEAC and RAC). However, there are currently no decisions from Brussels on a formal authorization. The FGK application is expected to be decided in June 2022.