Lead in brass materials
a phased-out model? Probably.
In 2018, lead was already included in the candidate list of substances of very high concern (SVHC list). Last year, the ECHA proposed including lead in Annex XIV of the REACH Regulation, which makes a ban on placing lead on the market or strict authorization likely from 2028.
This makes it all the more important for affected companies to address the issue in advance and look for lead-free alternatives, for example.
In this interview, Managing Director Jürgen Christian Schütz answers a few questions on the topic and provides insights into BEULCO's experience with switching to lead-free materials.
Date: 25.9.2023 | Reading time: 7. Min.
The right preparation
Mr. Schütz, how do you assess the effects and risks of the inclusion of lead in Annex XIV of the REACH Regulation for the sanitary industry?
The REACH Regulation, which has been in force since 2007, aims to ensure a high level of protection for people and health. The inclusion of lead-containing substances in Annex XIV of this regulation means that companies that manufacture these substances or import them into the EU must register them in the SCIP database of the European Chemicals Agency ECHA. This also applies to metals. The sanitary industry, particularly in the drinking water sector, is already well positioned in some segments and has dealt with the issue on the basis of previous regulations such as the Drinking Water Ordinance.
How has BEULCO prepared for the restrictions imposed by the Drinking Water Ordinance?
The Drinking Water Ordinance already restricted the lead content in brass many years ago. At BEULCO, we started looking at low-lead and completely lead-free alloys at an early stage. Over 10 years ago, we switched our own range of drinking water products to lead-free products. This has always been part of our sustainable way of thinking, which aims to offer products in the drinking water supply sector that meet hygiene and safety requirements.
2028: The challenge
The sanitary industry faces the challenge of dealing with a possible ban on lead in all brass alloys from 2028. What impact will this have on the industry, particularly at BEULCO?
The imminent possibility of a lead ban from 2028 is undoubtedly a huge challenge for the entire sanitaryware industry. This affects not only the drinking water sector, but all areas such as screw connections, fittings and heating pipes. At BEULCO, we have already risen to this challenge and started to convert product ranges to lead-free materials.
What challenges are associated with the switch to lead-free materials?
The process of conversion began for us back in 2008. It not only required us to adapt our machines to changed specifications such as different mechanical properties, but also to make considerable investments in new machines. The processing of lead-free materials, whether by machining or forming, differs fundamentally from materials containing lead. The need for a separate chip circuit for lead-free products in order to avoid mixing with lead-containing products resulted in additional logistical effort.
REACH
What is is exactly?
REACH has been in force since 2007 and is intended to ensure a high level of protection for human health and the environment. At the same time, it is intended to ensure the free movement of chemicals on the internal market and promote competitiveness and innovation. REACH is based on the principle that manufacturers, importers and downstream users take responsibility for their chemicals. They must ensure that the chemicals they manufacture and place on the market are used safely. The REACH regulation is considered to be one of the strictest chemicals laws in the world and is valid in all EU countries.
An eye on the entire chain
How did you coordinate the changeover process with suppliers and customers?
We worked with our suppliers at an early stage to test the alloys in production processing. Together with our customers, we closely coordinated the changeover process, in particular the entry and exit control. Such a process takes time, and we have learned that a changeover in less than two years is hardly feasible.
In hindsight, would you have done anything differently?
No. We chose our Green Deal out of conviction, as we have always regarded water as a sustainable foodstuff. We wanted to contribute to this with our lead-free and completely recyclable products. We would go down the same path again today, but with the realization that a changeover requires more time, especially in view of the REACH sunset date in 2028.
What advice would you give affected companies?
We would strongly recommend that affected companies take the 2028 deadline seriously. The sustainability debate is gaining momentum and market mechanisms will demand "green, lead-free products". Companies should coordinate with component manufacturers at an early stage and draw up a clear roadmap and timetable for the changeover. Strategically operating companies can secure competitive advantages and market potential by strengthening or expanding their market position through an early changeover.