You work for the machine manufacturer Saueressig and are now treasurer of Vecco e. V. Why?
On the one hand, Saueressig manufactures gravure printing and embossing cylinders. On the other hand, the machine manufacturer produces calenders. These systems require rollers and cylinders, which are often chrome-plated. Without the chrome surface, functionality would not be possible. Wear and corrosion protection are important functional properties for rollers.
The Association for the Protection of the Application and Use of Chromium Trioxide and other Chemicals in Surface Technology (Vecco e. V.) was founded because of the REACH regulation. Aren't electroplating companies now being washed with all the water?
I believe that Vecco currently fulfills two functions. Firstly, it enables an exchange with other electroplating companies and thus also synergies. You realize that you are not alone with the regulatory requirements, but that this problem also affects others. Secondly, even with a possible restriction, the question of how to measure correctly and what needs to be observed in order to obtain the best possible measured value will remain. The Vecco measured value database can be used to see what measured values comparable electroplating plants achieve. Without information on what constitutes normal or good measured values, it is difficult to identify potential for improvement.
What does the association do for the industry?
Vecco promotes the exchange of information between electroplating companies. It also gives small and medium-sized electroplating companies the opportunity to exert political influence.
To what extent are you concerned about the restriction of chromium(VI)?
I am very curious to see what the draft will be presented in April. There are currently a lot of rumors and possible limit values or "scientific values" in the industry. It must be taken into account that Germany is not alone in the EU and that other countries still have a value of 5 µg/m³ instead of 1 µg/m³ as in Germany. A possible tightening would be an even greater challenge here.
What are the Vecco's prospects with regard to REACH?
At the moment, authorization is still the best option. It is unclear how the situation will develop over the course of this year. I can well understand any managing director who is not making any business decisions now. My hope is that a clearly defined limit will be introduced. Long-term security and confidence in decisions are the most important basis for successful business, because this means that investments in improved plant technology can be made with certainty.
ABOUT THE PERSON
Dr. Julius Gröne initially completed a bachelor's degree in business chemistry and then graduated with a master's degree in chemistry with a focus on physical and surface chemistry in Ulm. He wrote his master's thesis at Daimler, worked for SurTec in research and development and now works in the same field for Saueressig's parent company Matthews International.
