Chrome-Free Passivation (CFPA)
Chrome-Free by Responsibility – Sustainability and Safety with rasselstein® CFPA
The switch to chrome-free passivation represents a milestone for the packaging steel industry—and a clear signal towards the future. rasselstein® CFPA from thyssenkrupp Rasselstein stands as a prime example of this change: a response to increasingly stringent environmental and chemical regulations and a strong commitment to sustainability, safety, and technical excellence.
At the core is the consistent replacement of hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], which, according to the EU's REACH regulation, may only be used temporarily under strict conditions. A permanent authorization beyond October 2027 is excluded under current EU plans—instead, a general ban is being pursued.
The Countdown Is On – Chrome-Free Becomes Mandatory
The background: chromium trioxide and sodium dichromate have been listed in Annex XIV of the REACH Regulation with a so-called "sunset date" in September 2017. Since then, they may only be used with special authorization. The packaging steel industry—organized in the APEAL association— has so far successfully used these transitional regulations, but they too are facing a final phase-out. The EU demands clearly documented substitution strategies, active communication with customers, and effective protection measures for workers in production.
The benefits of chrome-free passivation are not only regulatory but also practical. CFPA enables more sustainable and safer production—without harmful substances. While the finished product, tinplate, was already chrome-free in the past, the manufacturing process was not. CFPA changes this fundamentally. The new passivation relies on a highly effective protective layer made of titanium and zirconium oxides embedded in a polymer matrix. This ensures excellent product performance and minimizes tin oxide growth during storage.
The passivation process was developed jointly with other European manufacturers—highlighting the ambition to establish a uniform and future-proof standard. Given the globally increasing regulatory demands, CFPA sends a strong signal for a worldwide technological shift.
