The European Union ( EU ) recently proposed a plan to ban the use of chrome plating materials from 2024, which is expected to be formally implemented in 2024.
The main reason for the introduction of the plan is that chrome-plated materials release toxic chemicals during the manufacturing process, which are hazardous to human health. Hexavalent chromium in chrome plating is a known carcinogen that commonly causes lung cancer and is 500 times more toxic than diesel emissions. There is no safe way to produce chrome-plated materials, and all known processes produce toxic emissions.
Chrome plating is widely used in the automotive industry, especially on high-end models, and is often used to differentiate between different equipment levels. In addition, tuning and refurbishment companies also use chrome materials to enhance the appearance of cars. If the EU ban comes into effect, it will have a huge impact on these companies, who will have to look for alternatives.
In addition to the automotive industry, chrome-plated materials are used in everyday life (e.g. taps and lamps), as well as in aviation and marine applications. It is a practical material and the EU ban will force industries to look for new solutions.
Earlier this year, a similar ban was proposed in the US state of California and passed in May. The state stipulates that any company producing chrome-plated materials must find alternatives, such as the less toxic trivalent chromium, or face fines. There are more than 110 chrome-plating facilities in the state that would suffer serious financial losses if alternatives are not found.
In Europe, the ban could have just as big an impact. Renault design director Gil Vidal doesn’t see this as a bad thing, at least when it comes to car design. He says: “Some non-polluting solutions are being worked on, but I hope we can get rid of the chrome. It’s time for us to change the game and open up our minds to more sustainable alternatives.” With other carmakers agreeing and exterior design trends favouring darker exteriors, perhaps the days of chrome are over.
