The search for safe solutions

 In 2007 the world’s strictest law on chemical substances came into effect. Known as REACH, the EU legislation aims to protect human health and the environment. Of particular interest to Umicore’s Cobalt & Specialty Materials business was the classification of certain cobalt compounds which are used in processes and products such as quick-drying ink and paint, and for curing unsaturated polyester resins and gelcoats, used to make everything from car parts to windmill blades.

Collaborating with toxicologists and environmental experts, Umicore’s engineers got to work on creating an alternative, highly safe compound. The Umicore team finally found a solution: embedding the cobalt in a polymer structure which gives it much lower water solubility.

See how Umicore worked together with Reichold to introduce its new compound, UMICORE ® ECOS ND 15 into the composites market here.