Directives 2000/53/EC (ELV), REACH 1907/2006 and RoHS 2011/65/EU converge on the objective of eliminating lead from materials, reducing risks to human health and safety, throughout the entire life cycle of products: from production to use, disposal and recycling. Yet, despite the proven hazardous effects of this substance, the regulatory path proceeds at different paces, conditioned by the availability of alternatives deemed technically and economically viable. The result? A patchwork of differentiated deadlines and transitional periods that, while aiming at the gradual and definitive elimination of lead, risk diluting the timeframe of a change that should have been more rapid and decisive.
In this scenario, Eural Gnutti – a leading manufacturer of drawn bars in aluminium alloy for mechanical processing and one of the biggest players in extruded bars and profiles – resets the countdown to zero, speeding up the transition with solutions that are already lead-free, in accordance with the regulations in progress. An approach that reduces not only compliance time but also puts the company in a privileged position in the face of upcoming regulatory challenges.
Europe moves to phase out lead: A defining moment for the aluminium industry
Specifically, the ELV Directive 2000/53/EC focuses on the automotive sector, banning 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 of end 2027. The REACH Regulation, which regulates the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals, classifies lead as a substance of very high concern and highly toxic when above 0.1% (SVHC list). It imposes notification and authorisation requirements and sets stricter restrictions on its use and supply in metal alloys, for which evaluations are currently ongoing for a definitive ban in certain sectors. The RoHS Directive, on the other hand, restricts the use of lead in electrical and electronic devices, introducing exemptions only for specific applications. In detail, 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 progressive deadline. 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 eco-toxic, 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” states Giorgio Di Betta – Sales Director of Eural Gnutti, who adds “Since the 1990s, Eural Gnutti has invested significantly in research and development to anticipate and support this epochal turning point, which represents a crucial step for the sustainable future of the sector” and concludes ’at the same time, we believe it is fundamental that competitiveness on the international market unfolds 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, which still supply products not compliant with current regulations.”
Rethinking machinability: Why lead-free alloys are the future
Although the use of lead in the industry is constantly decreasing, its use in ferrous and non-ferrous alloys has historically been a key element to optimise workability. Due to its particular distribution within the alloy, lead promotes better machinability, reducing friction between metal and tool. However, Eural Gnutti’s long-term vision has shown that it is possible to develop new lead-free alternative alloys technically and economically sustainable, capable of guaranteeing the same performance, in terms of high machinability, higher productivity and reduced cycle times, with positive effects on both production costs and the quality of manufactured products.
In detail, the LEAD FREE project represents an important milestone for the company, bringing to the development of three advanced alloys, also 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 most recent and innovative one.
Alloy 6026LF LEAD FREE by EURAL represented a breakthrough in the industry due to its excellent mechanical and chip-forming 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 requiring strength and a high-quality surface finish, even after hard anodising. Moreover, thanks to its chemical composition, it is suitable for contact with foodstuffs, as scientific studies have shown.
Alloy 2033 LEAD FREE by EURAL is developed to offer excellent performance when machining on high-speed automatic lathes thanks to a very fine chip-forming. By virtue of its higher mechanical properties and capability to bear higher stress than 2011, alloy 2033 is particularly suitable for applications in highly specialised sectors such as automotive, electrical and electronics, stamping, fasteners, bolts and threaded parts even with reduced thickness, where excellent machinability and fast production times are required.
Finally, 2077 LEAD FREE by EURAL represents a breakthrough in the hard alloy sector, being the only one with high mechanical properties that guarantees excellent chip-forming performance. Thanks to its combination of high strength and outstanding machinability, 2077 offers itself as an alternative to certain types of steel and cast iron. Chip formation, comparable to the 2011 and 2033 alloys, enables very high productivity levels, tighter tolerances, better surface roughness and longer tool life. A perfect alloy for applications with the most stringent demands.
“The adoption of circular economy principles is an essential part of Eural Gnutti’s strategy to position itself as a Green transition enabler, capable of accelerating the transition towards a more responsible industry. Our LEAD FREE alloys are part of a broader vision, combining technological excellence and 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.”
