Surface news

The European Parliament has approved the Chemicals Omnibus VI, thereby paving the way for simplified chemical labeling requirements. For the electroplating and surface treatment industries, changes to the CLP Regulation are particularly relevant, such as those concerning labeling requirements and…

Using the free web app “GalvanoCalc & Learn,” an apprentice in surface treatment and electroplating has developed a digital tool for calculations, process documentation, and exam preparation. The app is now available at galvanocalc.app.

Christine Singer of the Free Voters visited Betz-Chrom GmbH in Gräfelfing. The discussion focused on chromium(VI), the current proposal for restrictions, and possible limit values.

The ZVO has published two new position papers on national CO₂ pricing and the circular economy. In these papers, the association calls for competitive energy prices, the elimination of special national taxes, and greater political recognition of electroplating and surface engineering as a key…

In Brussels, the ZVO met with the offices of Members of the European Parliament to discuss REACH, chromium(VI), and PFAS. The discussions focused on predictable regulatory frameworks, the preservation of important processes such as hard chrome plating, and the safeguarding of European supply chains.

The industrial surface treatment sector is facing significant economic and regulatory pressure. At the 2026 ZVO Surface Technology Conference, Püttbach called for affordable energy, less bureaucracy, and realistic chemical regulations. With a new public awareness campaign, the ZVO aims to increase…

The Niedax Group is building a new electroplating facility at its largest production site in St. Katharinen. With this new facility, the company is relocating its previous site in Bonn and, at the same time, expanding its manufacturing capacity.

The Central Association for Surface Technology held talks with the U.S. industry association NASF in Washington, D.C. The discussions focused on the current state of the electroplating and surface technology industries, as well as common challenges on both sides of the Atlantic.

At Aluminium 2026, Henkel will showcase new and improved Bonderite solutions for pretreatment, anodizing, and compaction. The focus will be on lower process temperatures, chromium-free processes, and a new rinse-free bonding agent.

The Association for the Surface Finishing of Aluminum (VOA) is offering two digital training courses in November 2026. The courses will focus on coating and QUALICOAT, as well as the process chain for aluminum anodizing.

At Serfilco, Samir Ait Ahmed is taking over sales and marketing for Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. At the same time, the magnetically coupled SG series is replacing the previous ST series and offers a wider range of options for different conveying capacities.

The Association for the Surface Finishing of Aluminum (VOA) will hold its 2026 annual meeting in Augsburg from June 17 to 19, 2026. In addition to association matters, the event will focus on technical developments and expert presentations.

In talks with members of the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, ZVO addressed the economic, energy and labor market burdens facing companies in the surface technology sector. The main focus was on energy prices, regulation and the competitiveness of Germany as an industrial location.

Plating Electronic has handed over management to the second generation and is modernizing its brand presence with a focus on structure, service and end-to-end system responsibility.

C. Jentner GmbH has successfully obtained DIN EN ISO 50001 certification for its energy management system, underscoring its commitment to sustainable and resource-efficient operations.

At a meeting with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Environment in Brussels, ZVO presented the surface technology industry’s positions on ongoing regulatory proceedings. The focus was on the further development of the Industrial Emissions Directive and the drafting of the STM BREF.

DIN EN ISO 2081:2026 is the updated standard for chromium(VI)-treated galvanic zinc coatings on iron and steel, with adjustments for practical application in the surface treatment industry.

The Association for the Surface Finishing of Aluminum (VOA) has presented its 2025/2026 annual report. The focus is on further training, quality standards, and representing the interests of the industry both nationally and internationally.

Werner Ruhl and Willi Perschbacher, the two founders of Ruhl & Co. GmbH, passed away in January 2026. Their work shaped the development of today's B+T Group in the field of surface technology.

Alvarez Schaer is presenting a compact anodizing system called Anodikit Zone at PaintExpo 2026. The system combines reduced space requirements with Qualanod-compliant anodizing.