DUCC and Vecco / vecco:net make this submission, to bring forward the substitution of Cr(VI)-based coating technology as an example of an industry initiative on how companies could work towards substitution, through collaborative platforms. This initiative can show the positive effects of supporting SMEs through funding and creating platforms for exchange and promotion of success stories. The focus of Vecco is to work on Cr(VI) substitution, in a network of coating companies, users, technology suppliers and research institutions with the involvement of the relevant actors along the supply chain. 


Core points of the network work are:

• Comparison and evaluation of alternatives to Cr(VI) based coatings
• Joint R&D development plan ("roadmap") for the development of alternatives; basis for substitution planning in the process of re-authorisation.
• Concrete development of alternative technologies to replace Cr(VI) based coatings for specific
applications (implementation in collaborative R&D projects).
• Testing and industrial implementation of the developed technologies