The European Commission defines the current state of the art for almost all industrial sectors in the form of BREF documents (Best Available Techniques Reference or Best Available Techniques Reference Document). For the surface treatment industry, this is the BREF Surface Treatment of Metals and Plastics (BREF STM). In 2021, the EU began updating the reference documents with the participation of the German Aluminum Surface Finishing Association (VOA). Both a national expert group - in Germany under the leadership of the German Environment Agency (UBA) - and a European Technical Working Group are involved, which compile all the necessary information and data for the European Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control Bureau (EIPPC). Of particular importance is the collection of data from numerous, differently positioned EU companies, from which emission values are derived that are binding throughout Europe. These companies also include VOA member companies.
Visit to Albea Oberflächenbearbeitung GmbH
In 2024, the BREF STM delegation visited a total of six companies in Germany that had previously been selected by the UBA in consultation with the EU Bureau for Research on Industrial Transformation and Emissions (EU-BRITE). The aim was to gather background information. Coordinated by the VOA office, several member companies had agreed to host the delegation. The planned visit took place at Albea Oberflächenbearbeitung GmbH, a member company of the VOA.
Emission values in air and water
The delegation paid particular attention to the emission values in air and water as well as their monitoring and the external disposal of residues. They were also interested in the consumption of natural gas and electricity. During the visit, it became clear that the expected energy consumption for part of the process can only be estimated precisely due to the wide range of orders if this estimate is focused on specific furnaces. The estimated total amount of surface area treated varies by 20 percent.
Reality and theory collide
This lack of precision makes it difficult to determine valid figures in practice and therefore also to comply with certain consumption limits. This is where reality and the more theoretical development of regulations that would actually have to be complied with come together.