Sustainability is an increasing priority in the manufacturing industry, with companies striving to reduce their environmental impact while maintaining high-performance standards. Electroless nickel plating (ENP) is emerging as a greener alternative to traditional electrolytic and hard chrome plating, offering significant environmental and operational benefits.
One of the biggest environmental concerns with hard chrome plating is its reliance on hexavalent chromium—a highly toxic substance. Due to its serious health and environmental risks, the European Union is set to ban its use.
In contrast, ENP does not contain hexavalent chromium, making it a safer and more environmentally responsible coating solution. By eliminating this hazardous chemical, ENP significantly reduces health risks while delivering comparable hardness and durability.
Unlike electrolytic plating, which requires an electric current to deposit the coating, ENP is a chemical process that does not rely on electricity to drive deposition. This results in significantly lower energy consumption and a reduced carbon footprint.
Electrolytic plating and hard chrome processes require high-voltage power supplies and extensive energy use to sustain electrochemical reactions. In comparison, ENP operates through chemical solutions and controlled tank temperatures, making it a more energy-efficient option.
At CBE+, we have taken this a step further by partnering with Levercor to develop and commission a Combined Heat and Power (CHP) system. This system captures excess heat generated during electrical power production and repurposes it to warm plating tanks, reducing our carbon footprint by an impressive 50%.
Electrolytic plating often results in material wastage due to uneven deposition, which can require stripping, rework, or additional processing. ENP provides greater uniformity and precision, reducing the need for excessive rework and minimising waste.
ENP can enhance component durability and longevity, reducing the frequency of part replacements. By extending the lifespan of plated components, manufacturers lower overall material demand and waste production, making ENP a more sustainable choice.
As industries continue to shift towards sustainable practices, electroless nickel plating is proving to be the smarter, greener choice. With lower energy consumption, reduced hazardous waste, and safer working conditions, ENP helps manufacturers achieve their environmental goals without compromising on performance.
At CBE+, we are committed to providing high-quality ENP solutions that support sustainability and innovation in manufacturing. If you are looking for a more eco-friendly plating alternative, get in touch with our team.
We provide unmatched production capacity and turnaround times.
We have an extensive range of highly equipped in-house inspection and testing facilities.
We are introducing automated processes to our capabilities creating industry leading efficiencies.
We offer technical consultancy to develop and deliver exact procedures to meet your specific requirements
We have some of the largest plating tanks in Europe.
