NASF Discusses PFAS and Hexavalent Chromium Reduction in the Automotive Supply Chain

NASF recently participated in a discussion hosted by USEPA and the State of Michigan to discuss the transitioning of hexavalent chromium and PFAS for plating in the automotive supply chain.  The meeting included introductory remarks from EPA Region 5 Administrator, Debra Shore, and the Director of Michigan PFAS Action Response Team (MPART), Abby Hendershott. 

USEPA highlighted the agencies’ commitment to the issue and NASF’s significant contributions on the sustainability front and working proactively with EPA and Michigan to minimize uses of PFAS and hexavalent chromium. The meeting highlighted the ongoing collaborative discussion among the surface finishing industry, automotive OEMs, and regulators on efforts to voluntary reduce PFAS and hexavalent chromium in the supply chain.  These efforts include the use of non-PFAS fume suppressants, mechanical controls to reduce hexavalent chromium emissions, and the switch to trivalent chromium processes where appropriate.

In addition, EPA and Michigan officials provided a historical and future outlook for the use of PFAS in the finishing industry.  NASF highlighted a summary of the drivers and challenges ahead for PFAS and hexavalent chromium reduction within the automotive supply chain.  A panel of experts from surface finishing chemical suppliers provided a technical update on the status of trivalent chromium processes to re place hexavalent chromium for automotive applications.  Representatives from automotive OEMs supported the efforts and, along with NASF, acknowledged the challenges and barriers that must be overcome.

NASF and the automotive OEM community will continue current discussions and explore next steps to address future progress.  If you have any questions or would like additional information regarding this process, please contact Christian Richter of Jeff Hannapel with NASF at crichter@thepolicygroup.com or jhannapel@thepolicygroup.com. 

This update is courtesy of the National Association for Surface Finishing (NASF). For more information or to become a member, visit nasf.org.