Sustainable metal coatings have become instrumental in reducing the environmental impact of heavy industries like oil and gas, energy and aerospace. Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) and other advanced coating technologies are paving the way for eco-friendly solutions that comply with regulatory standards, whilst also providing superior performance benefits compared to traditional coatings. This shift is particularly important as global regulations, such as EU and UK REACH, increasingly restrict the use of toxic materials, pushing industries to explore safer alternatives.
The growing demand for eco-friendly coatings
The need for sustainable coatings is being driven by environmental regulations that seek to reduce the amount of hazardous substances and promote safer alternatives. Long-used coatings like hard chrome plating (HCP) contain hexavalent chromium, a toxic and carcinogenic compound that poses significant health and environmental risks.
Alternatives to these legacy coatings are becoming required by law as a result of recent regulations like REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) in the EU and the TSCA (Toxic Substances Control Act) in the US . This regulation is actively restricting the presence of harmful compounds in industry to protect workers and ecosystems.
Additionally, sustainable coatings align with the broader movement towards corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability and helps businesses hit important ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) targets. Industries are increasingly recognising the dual value of eco-friendly coatings: they enhance compliance and market competitiveness, positioning companies as leaders in sustainable practices while meeting regulatory requirements.
Sustainable metal coatings - an advantage that goes beyond compliance
Sustainable metal coating alternatives like CVD tungsten carbide directly address the environmental downsides of traditional methods. The CVD process, which crystallises tungsten carbide onto substrates atom-by-atom, is free from harmful by-products. It produces a dense, pore-free coating without using toxic elements like hexavalent chromium. This process eliminates the need for binders, minimising material degradation and preventing the environmental risks associated with cobalt or nickel binder leaching.
Compliance with environmental standards
CVD tungsten carbide coatings comply with stringent environmental standards like REACH, making them an ideal replacement for hard chrome plating. This regulatory compliance supports the manufacturing sectors in adhering to environmental legislation without sacrificing performance or durability.
Enhanced durability and reduced waste
The extreme durability of CVD tungsten carbide coatings significantly extends the lifespan of industrial components, often by up to 250 times. This reduces the need for frequent component replacements which directly conserves raw materials. Moreover, in applications exposed to wear, erosion and corrosive substances, these coatings protect equipment from degradation, resulting in fewer material and energy resources needed for maintenance and manufacturing replacements.
Improved equipment efficiency and emissions reduction
The coating’s resistance to water droplet erosion (WDE) and abrasion enhances the operational efficiency of critical components like turbine blades and oil pumps, reducing downtime and maintenance. By maintaining optimal equipment performance, these coatings contribute to reduced CO2 emissions and lower overall lifecycle costs.
Eco-friendly production process
The CVD coating process is a closed-system, low-temperature technique with low energy consumption that significantly reduces fugitive emissions. This process is also suitable for a wide range of substrates, from stainless steel to complex alloys that can tolerate the 450-500°C coating temperature. This means CVD can coat intricate geometries and internal surfaces with minimal post-coating finishing, unlike HVOF or other traditional methods.
Shift towards a sustainable industrial future with Hardide
The shift to sustainable metal coatings marks a major step forward for industrial sectors looking to balance performance with environmental responsibility.
Leading the way in this field, Hardide have developed pioneering CVD tungsten carbide coatings that tackle environmental challenges directly. Our REACH-compliant coatings are free from harmful substances like hexavalent chromium and offer exceptional resistance to wear, corrosion, and erosion.
Unlike traditional methods, our unique CVD process creates a dense, pore-free layer that coats even complex and internal surfaces uniformly. This extends the life of components whilst reducing material waste and maintenance needs. For industries focused on lowering their environmental footprint, we’re here to provide a robust, eco-friendly solution that combines sustainability with top-tier performance.
To find out more about how our coating process can help you shift towards sustainability, contact a member of our team today.
