In our day-to-day life, we use diverse types of machines, appliances, and devices to make our life easier and more convenient. All these machines are made using different materials and components. However, numerous materials used in manufacturing machines and equipment contribute to economic growth and infrastructural development; they harm the environment and cause soil and air pollution. Additionally, if these toxic substances are not appropriately managed, they can negatively impact human health.
Governments across the world are imposing regulations and restrictions on the use of harmful substances and materials, considering the risks that toxic substances can pose to the environment and people. In such rules, RoHS directives have been adopted by various industries worldwide. RoHS stands for the Restriction of Hazardous Substances, and manufacturers abiding by this compliance have to ensure that their products do not contain RoHS Restricted Substances such as Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Mercury (Hg), Hexavalent Chromium, etc.
What do you mean by RoHS compliance, and what are the different standards followed worldwide?
RoHS impacts and applies to all industries that manufacture and sell spare parts, machines, cables, and sub-assemblies to RoHS-directed nations, assemblers, distributors, and resellers. RoHS compliance is product-level adherence that restricts the use of certain harmful substances. As per the most revised version of the RoHS directive, ten banned substances are:
- Lead
- Cadmium
- Mercury
- Hexavalent Chromium
- Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP)
- Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB)
- Bis(2-Ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP)
- Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP)
- Dibutyl phthalate (DBP)
- Polybrominated biphenyls (PBB)
Globally, manufacturers follow different RoHS standards and appropriate processes guided by their governing bodies. However, most countries resemble the European Union’s RoHS directive, and manufacturers and production units in different jurisdictions (countries) adhere to slightly different RoHS compliance. Some jurisdictions require compliance with EU RoHS, while others demand compliance with China RoHS or a certificate from UAE RoHS.
What Are RoHS-Compliant Products? What Are RoHS Compliant Finishes?
RoHS-compliant products do not use or exceed the permitted amounts of restricted substances as per the RoHS guidelines. RoHS-Compliant Products include small to large home appliances, computing devices, power tools, computing equipment, and automatic machines such as ticket vending machines and ATMs.
Manufacturers are guided to use RoHS-compliant finishes and coatings to ensure that their end product is RoHS-compliant and safe for the environment and human health. RoHS-compliant coating and paints can not exceed the allowed concentration values of restricted substances mentioned in the RoHS directive. Also, these coatings and paints have protective properties to shield the product against rust, dust, heat, and moisture. RoHS-compliant paints and coatings are widely used in the automotive, power, agricultural equipment, home appliances, and defence industries. A few RoHS-compliant coatings are mentioned below.
Zinc Rich Coating
RoHS-compliant, Zinc rich coating has excellent barrier protection ability and is good at cathode protection. This coating is utilised in various manufacturing units to protect steel-made spare parts of machines from corrosion. With excellent cathode protection, corrosion prevention, and heat resistance properties, the zinc-rich metal coating has many uses in the infrastructure and the automotive industry.
Thermosetting Powder Coating
The thermosetting powder coating protects many household appliances, automobile spares, and motorbike parts. Machines coated with thermosetting powder coating produce less harmful waste compared to equipment or machines coated using liquid paints. Such powder coating with zero volatile organic compound discharge is environmentally friendly. Thermosetting powder coating offers a range of benefits that can not be achieved by using other types of coatings.
Why Is RoHS Crucial? And Why Should You Be RoHS Compliant?
With rapid technology evolution, many consumers are discarding outdated equipment, which is a serious concern for the environment amid increasing e-waste globally. As a result, dangerous materials end up filling landfills. High amounts of electronic waste and junk are causing mercury and lead poisoning. Toxic components are still used in recycling, and implementing RoHS compliance reduces the number of hazardous compounds in industrial equipment. The goal is to limit the amount of heavy metal poisoning and e-waste to create a sustainable and healthy society. RoHS also boosts the supply chain’s demand for innovative and eco-friendly products.
Economic Advantage
Ensuring that your product complies with RoHS Compliance regulations protects you from harmful effects, provides environmental safety, and ensures the product’s durability. A RoHS-compliant product stays away from corrosion, moisture, and dirt. Apart from that, RoHS testing and certification help detect product issues, saving manufacturers from hefty penalties and expensive product returns. Since most countries worldwide allow the utilisation of machines, equipment, and spare parts having RoHS compliance certificates, you can boost your sales by ensuring that your products are RoHS compliant.
Marketing Tool
Manufacturers and sellers can use RoHS compliance as their marketing tool. A product having RoHS certification gives end consumers a belief that the product is free from harmful substances and is safe to use. Moreover, consumers consider it a well-tested product with optimised efficiency. Most industries worldwide have adopted RoHS compliance, resulting in increased customer reliability on producers and enhancing their brands effectively.
Clean And Green Environment
Developed and developing countries produce massive amounts of e-waste, which is difficult to decompose and harmful to the environment. Therefore, industries recycle e-waste for various purposes. The workers in recycling plants are affected the most by lead and mercury contamination. RoHS-compliant products use harmful substance-free components for industrial utilisation, reducing the cases of heavy metal poisoning in these industries, eventually, the workers’ and users’ issues.
Supply Chain Innovation
Technology is an industry that is evolving at a rapid pace. The RoHS certification gives manufacturers essential awareness about hazardous substances that should be eliminated from the supply chain. This inspires them to innovate more eco-friendly, effective, and pocket-friendly products. Compliance with RoHS guidelines allows producers to make effective decisions in favour of everyone involved in the supply chain.
Final Words
If you are manufacturing home appliances, agricultural equipment, or automotive spares, it is vital for you to ensure that your product matches RoHS compliance. RoHS compliance coating and paints are highly beneficial for equipment, machines, spare parts, and internal components in getting RoHS certification. In that case, Grand Polycoats can be the ultimate solution for you. It is one of India’s top industrial coating and paint manufacturers and is known for its highly-efficient protective paints. Whether you need customised solutions per your industrial manufacturing requirements or industrial coating products with a RoHS certificate, you can count on Grand Polycoats. We are ready with an extensive range of protective coatings and paints to ensure that your products are safe and environmentally friendly. Connect with us today to discuss your requirements.