The RESINSURF project by CIDETEC Surface Engineering will offer sustainable alternatives for the surface treatment industry

The limitations imposed by the reach regulation have led to a significant reduction in the sector’s activity.

The project proposes several methods without hexavalent chromium, highly toxic to human health and the environment.

Training will be held to implement the new proposals in the Spanish, Portuguese and French industry, with the aim of empowering the sector.

The RESINSURF project, part of the Interreg SUDOE Program and coordinated by CIDETEC Surface Engineering, is aimed at developing surface treatments without hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)), used in industries such as metal galvanizing, pigment production and leather tanning. This highly toxic and carcinogenic compound, is harmful to both human health and the environment. For this reason, the EU banned its use in September 2017, under the REACH regulation, with a temporary extension allowing limited use until 2024. This makes it urgent to find alternatives so that the industry dedicated to the sector, which in recent years has suffered an exodus of activity to countries outside the EU where the aforementioned regulations do not apply, does not disappear.

RESINSURF, through the implementation of alternative sustainable technologies, will prioritize the transfer of knowledge and the training of professionals through seminars, workshops and open days, thus training both professionals and companies in the SUDOE territory, contributing to maintaining regional employment.

The project involves companies in the sector such as Titania (Spain), Prifer (Portugal) or Chrome Dur Industriel (France), with which the solutions offered by RESINSURF will be implemented. At the same time, it is planned to work together with policy makers, with the aim of encouraging policies that facilitate the transition to the surface finishing industry.

This project, funded with a budget of almost 2 million euros, is also participated in by other entities in the SUDOE territory, such as INEOSURF, Universidade de Aveiro, Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour, Smallmatek and the Association of Surface Finishing Industries (AIAS).