Chromium (VI) : Uses in The Supply Chain
Chromium (VI) : Uses in The Supply Chain
Chromium (VI) : Uses in The Supply Chain
Chromium (VI)
Other Names Hexavalent Chromium, Cr(VI) Cr(VI) is the chromium element in its 6+
oxidation state. Hexavalent Chromium can occur
naturally in the environment from the erosion of
CAS Number Substance
natural chromium deposits or produced during
Chromium VI (the element Cr in the 6+ industrial processes. Chromium VI can naturally
18540-29-9
oxidation state)
occur from the transformation of Cr(III) under the
right conditions such as exposure to UV light,
May Be Found In ▪ Tanned natural leather
high temperatures, low humidity, low pH-Values,
▪ Pigments and dyes (especially those
used in wool) or oxidizing agents. Chromium, in this oxidation
state, can be extremely stable and persistent in
the aquatic environment.
Uses in the Supply Chain
Within the apparel and footwear supply chain, chromium
may be in use in the following applications:
o Utilize Cr(VI) free tanning products, tested for Cr(VI) and procured from a reputable supplier.
o Avoid use of highly unsaturated fats:
▪ If the raw material has a high level of natural grease, degrease thoroughly.
▪ Avoid fat liquors or finishing oils with natural fats (e.g., fish, animal or vegetable).
o Maintain pH below 6.5 and avoid use of ammonia, sodium bicarbonate and bleach during and after the
tanning step.
o Avoid the accumulation of free chromium on leather surface by washing after neutralization step, after
any wet-end waterproofing treatment and at the end of wet processing
o Add antioxidant chemicals in re-tanning process (e.g., vegetable tannins).
o Finish the wet end processing at low pH conditions (3.5 - 4)
▪ The transformation of the residual Cr(III) into Cr(VI) should be prevented also for the finished goods. For this
reason, it is recommended to:
o Avoid storage and transport of leathers in air polluted heavily with oxidizing gases like ozone, nitrogen
oxides, sulfur oxides.
o During transport, manufacture and use of leather items, avoid the prolonged exposure to low humidity,
high temperatures and direct sunlight.
o Avoid heating chrome-tanned leather to apply prints or set adhesives.
Safer Alternatives
■ As mentioned previously, there are alternatives to the chrome tanning process, but these may result in leather
with distinctly different performance properties.
■ There are many alternatives to chromate pigments and dyes. Most major chemical suppliers have discontinued
production of these dyestuffs.
■ There are many after-dyeing mordant alternatives to chromate, including potassium aluminium sulfate,
aluminium acetate and ferrous sulfate. Work with your chemical and dye suppliers to confirm that any chosen
alternative is ZDHC MRSL compliant.
2. Hohenstein Institute & Textile Exchange. Chemical Snapshots – Heavy Metals. 03/17/2017, Revision 0.2.
Links: www.hohenstein.com, https://textileexchange.org
4. Official Journal of the European Union - COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2018/1513. https://eur-
lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32018R1513, Retrieved April 2019
5. Online ZDHC Manufacturing Restricted Substances List (ZDHC e-MRSL) Version 1.1. (Retrieved April 2019)
https://www.roadmaptozero.com/mrsl_online/