Faucet Strommen 14 Jan 2025
Chrome has been a common choice for tapware for many years, providing a durable, shiny finish that resists corrosion and wear. This finish is created by dipping parts into baths of chromic acid solution. Most companies use a type of chromium plating chemistry called hexavalent chrome to create this finish, mainly because it is cheap and easy to process. However, concerns have arisen over the use of this type of chrome due to its toxicity and environmental impact.
At Faucet Strommen we do our chrome plating in house, and we chose a different type of chrome, a trivalent chromium solution, as a safer and more sustainable alternative for our finishes. This innovative type of chrome contains chromium in its trivalent state (Cr3+). It is a more difficult finish to create as it requires more process control and is less tolerant of impurities, however is much more environmentally friendly and safer for human health compared to hexavalent chrome.
Our chrome plating line is the only bright trivalent line in the tapware industry in Australia, putting us well ahead of others in our commitment to the environment and our people.
How is chrome used in our tapware finishes?
We use chrome plating to create the classic Chrome finish, however it is also used as a base coat under all of our Zirnium DMF special finishes. This base coat provides the finish with superior scratch and corrosion resistance.
Why do we use trivalent chrome?
1. Health Benefits
Hexavalent chromium is a known human carcinogen and can have harmful effects on health, such as respiratory issues, skin irritation, and even lung cancer. In contrast, trivalent chromium is considered to be much less toxic and poses minimal risks to human health. Our people involved in the plating process work closely over chromium baths to craft your beautiful products, so we choose trivalent chrome to reduce any potential harm. At Faucet Strommen we put our people first.
2. Environmental Safety
Hexavalent chrome is toxic and highly soluble in water, which means it can easily leach into soil and groundwater, contaminating water sources and affecting aquatic life. Trivalent chrome, on the other hand, is significantly less toxic and less soluble and therefore not as likely to leach into the environment. Our plating process also consists of a closed loop system with no waste, offering a hugely reduced environmental footprint.
While hexavalent chrome produces harmful emissions during the plating process, the fumes from our tri-chrome line are scrubbed before being vented meaning that the air that exits the line is cleaner than the everyday atmosphere!
3. Durability and Aesthetics
We do not compromise on quality. Trivalent chrome offers the same durability and aesthetics as hexavalent chrome, making it a suitable alternative. Trivalent chrome provides a shiny, corrosion-resistant surface that enhances the appearance of tapware while maintaining its functionality over time. With Faucet Strommen products, you can be sure of the highest quality product, backed by our industry leading 40 year warranty.
4. SusTainability
In addition to its health and safety benefits, trivalent chrome is also considered the more sustainable option compared to hexavalent chromium. The production of trivalent chromium typically results in lower energy consumption and reduced waste generation, making it a more environmentally friendly choice for tapware manufacturing. In addition to this, our chrome line runs on solar power! By embracing trivalent chrome, we are contributing to a more sustainable supply chain and reducing our overall environmental footprint.
5. Ethical Responsibility
Most hexavalent chrome chemistry is now sourced from developing nations and produced using unethical environmental, human resource, OH&S and corporate governance principals. Alternatively, most trivalent chrome chemistry is sourced from developed nations by companies that have high standard of responsibility and governance.
In conclusion, trivalent chrome emerges as a superior alternative to hexavalent chrome for tapware applications, offering a safer, more compliant, and sustainable option. By prioritising health, environmental impact, durability, and aesthetics, Faucet Strommen is setting a new standard for tapware finishes that aligns with modern values of safety and sustainability.