Chrome(VI) containing processes on tin, tin free steel and aluminum are questioned by REACH. In December 2011 ECHA (European Chemical Agency) proposed a restriction of Chromium VI, a decision is expected to be submitted by 2016.

Already today producers of steel and aluminum are able to produce chrome-free passivated material, as the architectural industry has already requested chromefree substrates.

Coating Solutions which match with the new surface treatment have already been developed by ACTEGA Rhenania and tests that have been conducted with a renowned tin plate producer show positive results.

About ACTEGA
The ACTEGA group belongs to ALTANA AG. The ACTEGA Coatings & Sealants Product Division develops and produces coatings and sealants for the packaging and graphic arts industries. These products lend an attractive appearance to materials such as paper, paper board, plastic and metal. They also provide clearly defined chemical and physical properties to the materials' surface.

Graphic arts: The main customer for the products developed, manufactured and sold by ACTEGA is the packaging industry. ACTEGA is the market leader in overprint varnishes and is the technological leader in the rapidly expanding sector of water-based sealants for flexible packaging. In this connection, ACTEGA products not only ensure that the packaging will look appealing, but also that the contents will remain fresh longer. 

Converting specialties: ACTEGA is already the world’s leading vendor of sealants for closures and glass containers; ACTEGA is the technological leader when it comes to water-based sealants for cans. These products are used to make seals between the contact surfaces, such as glass on metal (bottle closures) or metal on metal (can lids). They ensure that the contents and other substances such as CO2 remain inside the packaging, and any contaminants remain outside.

About ALTANA:

ALTANA develops and produces high-quality, innovative products in the specialty chemicals business. The ALTANA Group, with headquarters in Wesel/Germany, is a genuine “global player” with about 85% of its sales generated by international activities. The ALTANA Group has four divisions: BYK Additives & Instruments, ECKART Effect Pigments, ELANTAS Electrical Insulation, and ACTEGACoatings & Sealants. All of these divisions occupy a leading position in their target markets with respect to quality, product solution expertise, innovation and service.

ALTANA offers innovative, environmentally compatible solutions with the matching specialty products for coating manufacturers, paint and plastics processors, the printing and cosmetic industries, and the electrical and electronics industry. The product range includes additives, special coatings and adhesives, effect pigments, sealants and compounds, impregnating resins and varnishes, and testing and measuring instruments.

At present, the ALTANA Group has 42 production facilities and 48 service and research laboratories worldwide. Throughout the Group about 5,300 people work to ensure the success of ALTANA worldwide. In 2011, ALTANA achieved sales of more than 
1.6 billion euros. Its impressive earning power and high growth rate make ALTANA one of the most successful and innovative chemical groups worldwide.