Regulatory situation, feedback and
new processes in industry
It's been more than 8 years since the REACH regulation introduced an authorization system for the use of hexavalent chromium salts, and the subject remains a burning issue. For its 8th edition, the A3TS General Assembly will address the state of progress of alternative technologies to Chromium VI, with a focus on the treatment of light alloys and coated steels.
The applications concerned are the replacement of hexavalent chromium plating processes for "hard chrome" functional applications, the treatment of aluminum parts, the conversion of cadmium, zinc and zinc alloy coatings, and decorative aspects.
Once again, the institutional players in our professions will provide us with a reading of the European directives, taking stock of the situation as fully as possible. This will also be an opportunity for manufacturers facing up to these changes to give us feedback on the growing maturity of alternative technologies. Research and transfer centers will also provide information on the latest solutions.
You are invited to submit your conference proposal before November 08, 2025 on the following topics:
Implementing workplace monitoring: What do the regulations imply in terms of monitoring workstations? How to ensure compliance with TLVs? How are air and water samples taken? What about biological sampling and/or operator medical monitoring?
Alternative processes : What are the alternatives to hexavalent chromium in the various aspects of surface treatment? Hard chrome plating, decorative chrome plating, anodizing, paints, conversion and passivation? One-for-one replacements, or technologically breakthrough processes? All alternative processes are concerned, with priority given to those that allow comparison with the use of hexavalent chromium.
Important dates:
November 8, 2025 = Deadline for conference proposals
December 01, 2025 = Acceptance of conferences
December 03, 2025 = Pre-program online