Directives 2000/53/EC (ELV), REACH 1907/2006 and RoHS 2011/65/EU converge on the objective of eliminating lead from materials in order to reduce risks to human health and safety throughout the life cycle of products: from production to use, disposal and recycling. However, despite the proven hazardous effects of this substance, the regulatory path is moving at different speeds, depending on the availability of alternatives deemed technically and economically viable.
The result? A patchwork of different deadlines and transition periods that, while aimed at gradually and definitively eliminating lead, risk diluting the timeframe of a change that should have been faster and more decisive.
In this scenario, Eural Gnutti – the world’s leading manufacturer of drawn bars in aluminium alloy for mechanical machining and one of the largest players in extruded bars and profiles – is resetting the countdown to zero, speeding up the transition with solutions that are already lead-free in accordance with the current regulations. An approach that not only shortens the time to compliance, but also puts the company in a privileged position for future regulatory challenges.
EUROPE MOVES TO PHASE OUT LEAD: A DEFINING MOMENT FOR THE ALUMINIUM INDUSTRY
Specifically, the End-of-Life Vehicles Directive 2000/53/EC focuses on the automotive sector and bans the use of lead in end-of-life vehicles, except for some exemptions for critical components, which have been renewed but progressively reduced, with an approximate expiry date at the end of 2027. The REACH Regulation, which regulates the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, identifies lead as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) and highly toxic at levels above 0.1%.
It imposes notification and authorisation requirements as well as stricter restrictions on its use and supply in metal alloys, which are currently under evaluation for a definitive ban in certain sectors. The RoHS Directive, on the other hand, restricts the use of lead in electrical and electronic equipment, with exemptions only for specific applications. Specifically, the amendments to Annex III of Dir. 2011/65/EU provide exemptions for the presence of lead as an alloying element in aluminium, with a phase-out date. However, for aluminium alloys for machining purposes containing lead, the exemption will expire at the end of 2026.
“Our LEAD FREE solutions fit perfectly into a regulatory context aimed at limiting the content of lead in aluminium alloys, since this element is considered to be ecotoxic, as established by the European Commission’s Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/197 of 19 October 2023, published on 5 January 2024, which made significant amendments to Regulation (EC) 1272/2008 concerning the harmonised classification and labelling of certain substances toxic to the environment, including lead, Giorgio Di Betta – Sales Director of Eural Gnutti – says: “Since the 1990s, Eural Gnutti has invested heavily in research and development in order to anticipate and support this epochal change, which represents a decisive step for the sustainable future of the sector”, and concludes: “At the same time, we believe it is essential that competitiveness on the international market is developed under fair conditions for all players. We hope that appropriate measures will be taken to ensure a homogeneous level of compliance, avoiding disparities with non-EU countries that still supply products that do not comply with the current rules”.
RETHINKING MACHINABILITY: WHY LEAD-FREE ALLOYS ARE THE FUTURE
Although the use of lead in industry is steadily decreasing, its use in ferrous and non-ferrous alloys has historically been a key element in optimising machinability. Due to its specific distribution in the alloy, lead promotes better machinability and reduces friction between metal and tool.
However, Eural Gnutti’s long-term vision has shown that it is possible to develop new alternative lead-free alloys that are technically and economically sustainable, capable of guaranteeing the same performance in terms of high machinability, increased productivity and reduced cycle times, with positive effects on both production costs and the quality of the products manufactured.
Photo: Eural
Specifically, the LEAD FREE project represents an important milestone for the company, with the development of three advanced alloys, also made from recycled aluminium. 6026LF, the first born, paved the way for this new generation of materials, followed by 2033, designed to replace the highly machinable 2000 series alloys, and 2077, the latest and most innovative.
Alloy 6026LF LEAD FREE from EURAL has been a breakthrough in the industry due to its excellent mechanical and machining properties, combining high machinability and versatility. It is a highly appreciated alloy, especially in the automotive sector, with particular reference to braking systems, and in all applications where strength and a high quality surface finish are required, even after hard anodising. In addition, its chemical composition makes it suitable for contact with food, as scientific studies have shown.
Alloy 2033 LEAD FREE by EURAL has been developed to offer excellent machining performance on high speed automatic lathes thanks to a very fine chip formation. Thanks to its higher mechanical properties and ability to withstand higher levels of stress than 2011, alloy 2033 is particularly suitable for applications in highly specialised sectors such as automotive, electrical and electronics, stamping, fasteners, screws and threaded parts, even in reduced thickness, where excellent machinability and fast production times are required.
Finally, EURAL’s 2077 LEAD FREE represents a breakthrough in the field of hard alloys, as it is the only one with high mechanical properties that guarantee excellent machining performance. The combination of high strength and excellent machinability makes 2077 an alternative to certain types of steel and cast iron. Chip formation comparable to 2011 and 2033 alloys allows very high productivity levels, tighter tolerances, better surface roughness and longer tool life. A perfect alloy for the most demanding applications.
“The adoption of circular economy principles is an essential part of Eural Gnutti’s strategy to position itself as an enabler of the green transition, capable of accelerating the transition to a more responsible industry. Our LEAD FREE alloys are part of a broader vision that combines technological excellence with the reduction of environmental impact and efficiency in the use of resources,” says Paola Gnutti – President of Eural Gnutti, who concludes: “In this sense, aluminium recycling is an integral part of this vision, proving how innovation, sustainability and competitiveness can go hand in hand, without compromise”.
