Lukas Hanstein, Head of Policy at the German Central Association for Surface Technology (ZVO), has visited the North American partner association NASF (National Association for Surface Finishing) in Washington, D.C. The programme included presentations and discussions with legal and industry experts as well as representatives of various US authorities, including the Department of War. There were also talks with US senators and members of Congress. Topics included the framework conditions for industrial value creation, chemicals and environmental regulation and the strategic importance of efficient industrial supply chains.
Similar issues, different approaches
According to the ZVO, many of the issues facing surface technology in Germany and Europe are also on the agenda in the USA, including PFAS, chromium(VI) and environmental requirements. The association sees differences in the approach: while the European debate is often focused on substituting or restricting substances, the USA focuses more on how necessary substances and processes can continue to be used under safe conditions – particularly for industrial value creation, critical supply chains and security- and defence-related applications.
Hanstein presented the European regulatory landscape to the American business owners and industry representatives, in particular REACH, the planned PFAS restriction and the regulation of chromium(VI).
Aligning regulation with risks and solutions
For the ZVO, the visit confirms a central demand of its political work: regulation should be more closely oriented towards actual risks, emissions and technically achievable solutions. Substances and processes that are indispensable for key industrial applications and for which there are no equivalent alternatives need a framework that continues to allow their safe use. The association also points to the effort involved in documentation, verification and reporting obligations, which ties up skilled staff in companies. The ZVO intends to further intensify its exchange with the NASF.