Pursuing more eco-friendly manufacturing alternatives in the automotive industry has been a topic for many years. Currently, the traditional chrome plating of plastics is experiencing major changes with the consideration of trivalent chromium for electroplating (Cr3) and alternative materials for plastic etching (Cr6 free plating). This overview will deal with the main points of these plating technologies and the prospects for the close future in the global automotive industry for using more sustainable manufacturing alternatives.

• Electroplating with trivalent chromium
• Plastic pre-treatment without chromic acid
• Current status of AIAG and REACH regarding chromium usage
• Manufacturing processes for automotive interiors