GUIDE

Trivalent
Chromium
Performance Without Compromise

Version 1.0
JAN 2025
Table of
Introduction to Trivalent Chromium
2

A Brief History: From Cr(VI) to Cr(III)

3

Contents U.S. Regulatory Overview

Benefits of Trivalent Chromium

Applications in the Automotive Industry

6

Featured Decorative Solutions

7

Chloride vs. Sulfate

9

Decorative Color Comparison: Cr(VI) vs. TriMac BLUE

10

Why MacDermid Enthone

13

Frequently Asked Questions

14

Summary 15
 Introduction

to Trivalent
Chromium
www.macdermidenthone.com Welcome to a new era in surface finishing. Thank you for
downloading this guide—we’re here to answer questions that
[email protected]
may have kept you from converting to trivalent chromium
203-575-5700 solutions.

As the go-to alternative to hexavalent chromium, trivalent

chromium is reshaping the industry with its non-carcinogenic,
environmentally safe profile. Companies are experiencing
improved performance and corrosion resistance, while
becoming PFAS-free and fully compliant with tightening
environmental regulations. This modern solution delivers
durability and appearance comparable to hexavalent chrome,
offering a direct replacement that aligns with today’s
sustainability standards.

Let’s dive in and explore the benefits of production-proven

trivalent chromium technology.

A Brief Histor y

From CR(VI) to CR(III)

1980s
[ ]
Decorative trivalent chromium Cr(III) was developed in the 1980s
[ ]
as a safer alternative to hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) . It was initially

adopted for use in the North American automotive market.

Late 1980s to early 1990s

Trivalent chromium was introduced into the automotive sector

but was mainly used for niche applications, such as specific

corrosion protection or unique design requirements. Hexavalent

chromium remained dominant within decorative applications

thanks to its bright blue, reflective qualities.

1990s
Trivalent chromium had limited design acceptance, as it was

considered visually inferior (darker, yellower) when compared to

hexavalent chromium. It found acceptance primarily in scientific

applications for unique color choices.

Late 1990s to early 2000s

Japanese automakers started adopting darker trivalent

chromium finishes, such as TWILITE™, STARLITE™, and TriMac

ECLIPSE™, which provided corrosion resistance and appearance

value. These finishes gained popularity, especially in luxury

markets and "Buzz models" like the Midnight Black editions in

the automotive industry.

2000s
Darker trivalent chromium finishes gained a foothold in North

America, offering alternatives to traditional chrome designs. This

was driven by changing design trends and raw plastic

becoming more common in the market.

2020-2021
Environmental regulations furthered the need for non-toxic

alternatives. This, combined with the rise of electric vehicles

(EVs), drove more interest in trivalent chromium. OEMs began

considering trivalent chromium for its sustainability benefits,

recyclability, and lower environmental impact.

3 | A BRIEF HISTORY: From CR(VI) to CR(III)

US Regulatory
Overview
As regulations tighten on Cr(VI), Cr(III) offers a
compliant alternative, helping businesses to stay
ahead of upcoming changes.
— Compliance with EPA Regulations: Trivalent chromium
supports businesses in meeting city, state, and municipal
regulations that address hazards associated with hexavalent
chromium plating, such as PFAS. By adopting safer alternatives,
businesses align with evolving regulatory standards and reduce
their environmental impact.
— Alignment with Emerging Standards: As the EPA tightens
regulations on PFAS-related emissions, discharge, and waste
management, transitioning to trivalent chromium helps
businesses stay compliant with current standards and prepare
for future regulatory requirements.
— Avoiding Regulatory Penalties: Switching to trivalent chromium
helps industries mitigate risk and avoid the rising costs and
penalties linked to PFAS-related regulations, including rigorous
reporting, workforce safety measures, and complex waste
disposal requirements.
— Preparation for Stricter Limits: With upcoming EPA reviews
potentially lowering PFAS limits in drinking water and emissions,
trivalent chromium allows businesses to stay ahead of pending
regulations and avoid costly compliance adjustments.
— Simplified Waste Management: Trivalent chromium generates
less hazardous waste, making it easier for industries to comply
with waste disposal and environmental management
regulations set by the EPA.
— Worker Safety Compliance: Trivalent chromium is not classified
as a carcinogen, simplifying compliance with OSHA regulations
on worker exposure limits and safety protocols.
— Future-Proofing for Global Regulations: As regulations like
REACH in Europe push for PFAS-free alternatives, adopting
trivalent chromium supports compliance with regulatory
standards as well as regional and municipal regulations, and
those from bodies such as CARB, EAGLE, and various city and
state-level agencies.

4 | US REGULATIONS
Benefits of Trivalent
Chromium
Direct Replacement for Cr(VI)
Environmental & Health Impacts
— PFAS-Free: Trivalent chromium is non-carcinogenic, ensuring safer workplaces and
significantly reducing health risks, while lessening environmental impact.
— Simplified Waste Management: CR(III) produces less hazardous waste when compared to
Cr(VI), reducing disposal costs and environmental contamination.

Color Matching
— Design: Accurately matches the color profile of Cr(VI), using CIELAB color space
measurements for precise visual appearance comparison.

Superior Performance
— Corrosion Resistance: Our portfolio, including TriMac BLUE™, TriMac ECLIPSE™, TWILITE™,
STARLITE™, and TRILYTE™ Flash CL provides advanced corrosion protection. When used with
post dips such as TRISTAR Shield™ and excellent multilayer Ni systems, these solutions deliver
long-term performance, meeting the rigorous standards required for demanding applications
across industries like automotive, plumbing, hardware, consumer goods, and more.
Efficiency and Resource Optimization
— Higher Efficiency in Raw Material Use: Optimizes the use of raw materials and metals,
reducing reliance on mining and minimizing resource depletion.

— Energy Efficiency: Operates at lower temperatures, (eg. TRILYTE™ Flash CL) resulting in
reduced energy consumption and lower operational costs.

Ongoing Innovation:
— Continuous innovation drives advancements in bath stability, deposition rates, and adhesion
properties, further enhancing performance and environmental benefits. Our ongoing focus
includes developing new colors and finishes to meet evolving industry needs.

5 | Benefits of Trivalent Chromium

Applications in the
Automotive Industry
Trivalent chromium is rapidly becoming the preferred solution
for automotive applications, offering a range of benefits that
align with industry goals for sustainability, performance, and
innovation. Below are key reasons why trivalent chromium is
shaping the future of automotive manufacturing.
— Regulatory Readiness: Trivalent chromium meets current and future regulatory standards,
ensuring compliance with global environmental and safety regulations, making it a future-
proof solution for automakers.

— Worker & Environmental Safety: With a focus on safety, trivalent chromium reduces risk
and promotes environmentally responsible manufacturing practices, aligning with the
industry's sustainability goals.

— Exceptional Corrosion Resistance: Trivalent chromium coatings provide durable corrosion

protection, essential for the longevity of automotive components exposed to challenging
environments.

— Design Flexibility: Offering a wide range of colors and finishes when used in conjunction
with satin Ni, trivalent chromium gives automakers flexibility in aesthetic design without
compromising on performance, allowing for innovative styling options.

— Sustainability & Efficiency: Trivalent chromium supports the automotive industry’s shift
toward sustainable practices by offering solutions that reduce environmental impact and
promote resource efficiency.

6 | Applications in the Automotive Industry

Featured Decorative
Solutions
From the bluest white to the
darkest black, our complete
portfolio of decorative trivalent
chrome delivers beauty and
performance.
Our trivalent chromium portfolio offers
OEMs a clear path for adopting advanced
chrome alternatives that align with industry
standards for safety, sustainability, and
performance.

TriMac BLUE™ Features & benefits:

TriMac BLUE™ is an environmentally — Production-proven process
compliant, highly corrosion-resistant trivalent — White-blue color matches hexavalent chrome
chromium plating process, used to deposit a — Excellent color stability
white bright decorative layer over bright or — Superior corrosion resistance, when paired with
blue-white satin nickel deposits. It serves as a multilayer Ni system
direct replacement for hexavalent chromium — Simplified wastewater treatment
processes, matching the design appearance — PFAS- and PFOS-free process
while exceeding the material performance of — Meets OEM requirements
hexavalent chrome.

Process Color Type L* a* b*

TriMac White Sulfate > 83 -0.6 / -0.8 -0.5 / -1.5

BLUE™
Hexavalent White Sulfate 83-84 -0.8 / -1.0 -0.5 / -1.5
Chrome

7 | FEATURED DECORATIVE SOLUTIONS

TriMac ECLIPSE™
TriMac ECLIPSE™ is a sustainable,
environmentally compliant trivalent
chromium plating process used to deposit
a dark decorative chromium layer over
bright or satin nickel.
Features & benefits:
— PFAS-free trivalent chromium process
— Sustainable alternative to hexavalent
chromium plating processes
— Uniform color on complex part geometries
with color stability over time
— Excellent CaCl2 resistance
— Good CASS performance
— Meets OEM requirements

Post Treatment
The performance of a trivalent chromium finish TRISTAR SHIELD™ is an environmentally
relies on the entire deposit layer system, compliant post-dip for electroplated trivalent
including underlayers, nickels, and passivates, chromium. It significantly improves decorative
as their combined properties directly impact coating performance in standard corrosion
the overall finish. To help manufacturers meet tests such as NSS and CASS without affecting
the demands of tomorrow's decorative finishing part appearance, while improving resistance to
landscape, we offer TRISTAR SHIELD™ Cr(VI)- staining in humid environments.
free post-treatment.
Features & benefits:
— Production-proven process — Simple replenishment and maintenance with
— Increases corrosion performance beyond long bath life
industry standards — For use on all substrates and MacDermid Enthone
— PFAS- and PFOS-free trivalent chromium trivalent chromium
— Excellent resistance to staining, especially
in humid atmospheres

8 | FEATURED DECORATIVE SOLUTIONS

Chloride vs. Sulfate:
Meeting Diverse OEM
Needs
Trivalent chromium solutions come in two primary
forms: Chloride-base and sulfate-based systems. Each
offers unique benefits for different applications.
Sulfate-based solutions, like our signature TriMac BLUE™, excel in delivering stable, bright
finishes with consistent color, making them the top choice for decorative applications
requiring high-quality appearance and reliability. With a smaller plating line footprint, low
maintenance requirements, and dependable plating speeds, sulfate solutions meet the
diverse needs of the industry. The range of options available with trivalent chromium
technology allows OEMs to choose solutions tailored to their specific performance,
appearance, and environmental requirements.

— Plating Speed: Sulfate-based systems offer reliable and consistent plating speeds, ideal for
maintaining quality in decorative applications, while chloride-based systems prioritize
faster rates for high-throughput production environments.

— Color & Finish: Sulfate-based systems deliver bright, stable finishes with a versatile
spectrum of color tones and superior appearance, making them ideal for high-quality
decorative applications. Chloride systems also provide stable color retention, yet sulfate
systems stand out for their enhanced visual appeal and flexibility.

— Corrosion Resistance: Sulfate-based systems deliver robust corrosion resistance with

added stability, making them an excellent choice for decorative applications requiring
durability and consistent performance. While chloride-based systems are effective in high-
chloride environments, sulfate systems offer a reliable and versatile solution for a range of
demanding applications.

— Anode Requirements: Sulfate-based systems utilize versatile anode options designed to

meet specific finishing and application needs, offering flexibility for diverse industries. In
contrast, chloride systems rely on durable graphite anodes that deliver a beautiful chrome
appearance but may limit finishing options.

9 | CHLORIDE VS. SULFATE

Decorative Color Comparison:
Cr(VI) vs. TriMac BLUE™
Color measurements of various components
confirm that MacDermid Enthone's next-
generation trivalent chromium technology,
TriMac BLUE™, delivers an exact match to the
color profile desired by designers, meeting the
high standards previously achieved with
hexavalent chromium.
Key Highlights Include:
— True-to-Color Match: TriMac BLUE™ color
profile aligns with the classic Cr(VI) finish,
ensuring no visible difference in appearance.
— Balanced Hue Spectrum: The Cr(III) color
range, including TriMac BLUE™, fits within
Cr(VI)'s established spectrum, offering
seamless color continuity.
— Color Stability Across Components: TriMac BLUE™ reliably reproduces uniform color across various parts,
supporting cohesive and consistent manufacturing results.
— Precision in Visual Matching: Color measurements of various components show that the modern Cr(III)
colors lie between the color extremes of hexavalent chromium production.
T riMac BLUE™ Process Cycle Overview
T he TriMac BLUE™ process is a step-by-step plating cycle that moves from surface preparation through to final
post-treatment, specifically designed to provide an efficient and environmentally-compliant alternative to
traditional hexavalent chromium applications. By transitioning to trivalent chromium, the TriMac BLUE™ process
provides performance benefits with significantly improved environmental compliance. Key advantages include
reduced energy consumption, minimized waste production, and streamlined wastewater treatment. The process
flowchart below highlights each stage in this innovative cycle, showcasing the benefits of trivalent chromium for
sustainable and high-quality plating:


ION EXCHANGE
PRE-TREATMENT / CU

DRAG OUT RINSE

DRAG OUT RINSE

TRISTAR SHIELD
MULTILAYER NI

TRIMAC BLUE
TRIMAC BLUE

DRYING
RINSE
RINSE

RINSE
RINSE

RINSE
RINSE

no. of positions
depending on cycle time

10 | Decorative Color Comparison: Cr(VI) vs. TriMac BLUE™

TriMac BLUE™ Cont.
— Rinse and Drying Stages: Our advanced technology significantly reduces rinsing
requirements, using up to 10x less raw materials and minimizing water usage by
eliminating hazardous materials. Multiple rinse stages effectively remove residual
chemicals, followed by a drying phase to ensure the final product is clean, prepared, and
ready for use. This process delivers exceptional chrome finishes while promoting
sustainable and efficient resource utilization.
— Post-Treatment with TRISTAR SHIELDTM: The TRISTAR SHIELD™ post-treatment layer
enhances the durability and corrosion resistance of the TriMac BLUE™ chromium coating,
delivering long-term protection. Alternative post-treatment processes are also available for
Paint-on-Chrome applications, ensuring flexibility for diverse manufacturing needs.
Considerations for Implementation
— Transitioning from traditional hexavalent chromium to trivalent chromium (TriMac
BLUE™) requires adapting cycle times, passivation steps, plating positions, and rinse
technology.
— Integrating TriMac BLUE™ with other processes, such as traditional chromium plating,
necessitates careful planning to ensure compatibility and to maintain performance
standards.
— Efficient Wastewater Management: Advanced rinse technology, combined with recovery
system technology for trivalent chrome, minimizes chromium discharge, reduces water
usage, and enhances environmental compliance, supporting sustainable and cost-
effective operations.

11 | Decorative Color Comparison: Cr(VI) vs. TriMac BLUE™

Impact

Statistics
— Worker Safety: Trivalent chromium significantly
reduces health risks, with studies indicating a 30%
decrease in workplace incidents related to toxic
exposure compared to Cr(VI) facilities. 1 2
— Regulatory Compliance: Companies using trivalent
chromium report up to 100% compliance with EPA
and REACH standards, helping them stay ahead of
strict environmental regulations. 1
— Corrosion Resistance: Advanced trivalent chromium
systems, such as TriMac BLUE™, provide corrosion
protection levels comparable to hexavalent
chromium, with some chloride-based systems
showing up to 95% effectiveness in high-chloride
conditions, according to studies by the United States
Council for Automotive Research (USCAR)​. 4
— n ironmental Impact: By switching to trivalent
E v
chromium, companies can achieve up to a 70%
reduction in hazardous waste, making disposal safer
and more cost-effective. This also aligns with global
environmental goals by minimizing toxic waste
output​. 1 3
— Operational Cost Savings: Companies are
experiencing long-term savings with trivalent
chromium through reduced waste management
costs, energy savings, and lower regulatory
compliance expenses. Many report a reduction in
operational costs by 15–20% after adopting trivalent
chromium​. 2

1 Columbia Chemical, Ask the Expert: Trivalent Chrome Overview

2 Safe Chrome Hexavalent Chromium vs Trivalent Chromium Plating
3 LMC Industries, Hexavalent vs. Trivalent Chrome Plating: What
Manufacturers Need to Know

12 | Decorative Color Comparison: Cr(VI) vs. TriMac BLUE™

Why MacDermid

Enthone Industrial
Solutions?
— Extensive Trivalent Chromium Portfolio: MacDermid Enthone's comprehensive range of
trivalent chromium solutions includes TriMac BLUE™, the bluest white, and TriMac
ECLIPSE™, the darkest finish, representing the extremes of the color spectrum. Additional
products like TRILYTE™ Flash CL, TWILITE™, and STARLITE™ further enhance the portfolio,
offering diverse options to meet a wide array of appearance and performance needs.
— Expertise & Experience: With over 20 years of experience in trivalent chromium,
MacDermid Enthone has a proven history of developing reliable and innovative solutions
for complex applications.
— Regulatory Compliance Leadership: MacDermid Enthone’s trivalent chromium solutions
are designed to meet the latest EPA and REACH regulations, ensuring customers remain
compliant with both current and emerging standards.
— A dvanced Color & Finish Options: The company’s sulfate-based technologies, particularly
in finishes like TriMac BLUE™, provide stable and high-quality color options that
consistently match the appearance of Cr(VI), something many competitors struggle to
offer.
— Enhanced Corrosion Resistance: Solutions like TriMac BLUE™ provide superior corrosion
resistance, when used in combination with our multilayer nickel system, while meeting
the appearance requirements of demanding decorative applications.
— Exceptional Customer Support: MacDermid Enthone offers dedicated support
throughout the adoption process, including expert guidance on system installation,
maintenance, and OEM approval processes, ensuring a seamless transition for customers.
— Commitment to Sustainability: By offering non-carcinogenic, PFAS-free trivalent
chromium solutions, MacDermid Enthone supports customers in meeting environmental
goals and creating safer, more sustainable workplaces.

13 | Why MacDermid Enthone

FAQs
— Is trivalent chromium as effective as Cr(VI) for corrosion resistance?

Yes, modern trivalent chromium systems provide corrosion resistance equal to or better
than Cr(VI) in many applications.

Trivalent chromium coatings have been optimized to protect against various

environmental factors, offering long-lasting protection in demanding environments.

Advanced trivalent chromium systems now surpass Cr(VI) in high-chloride or corrosive

environments, offering superior performance in calcium-chloride, copper acetic, and salt
spray corrosion conditions. These advancements make them ideal for industries where
exceptional corrosion resistance is critical, including aerospace and automotive
applications. 



Furthermore, trivalent chromium’s color stability and ability to maintain performance

under high-stress and outdoor conditions ensures it can exceed the same corrosion-
resistant requirements as traditional chromium.

— Will switching to trivalent chromium be expensive?

While there are upfront costs, many companies have found that these are offset by long-
term savings in regulatory compliance, reduced waste disposal fees, and energy efficiencies.

— How does trivalent chromium improve worker safety?

Trivalent chromium is non-carcinogenic, making it a significantly safer alternative to

hexavalent chromium. Since it poses fewer health risks, companies that switch to Cr(III)
can reduce the need for stringent protective measures, such as specialized ventilation
systems, extensive personal protective equipment (PPE), and regular health monitoring
for workers. This shift not only lowers workplace incident rates but also helps to create a
safer environment, minimizing health issues associated with exposure to the more
hazardous chromium compounds found in Cr(VI).

— Can trivalent chromium meet OEM decorative specifications, particularly in color

matching hexavalent chromium?

Yes, our trivalent chromium portfolio, including technologies like TriMac BLUE™, is
engineered to meet OEM decorative specifications, achieving color tones matching
hexavalent chromium. Technology advancements over the past 20+ years have enabled
trivalent chromium finishes to closely match traditional chrome tones while also offering
new design choices, providing greater flexibility and seamless integration into existing
OEM design standards.

14 | FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

In Summary
The transition to trivalent chromium represents a significant
advancement in surface finishing, particularly as industries seek
safer, more sustainable alternatives to hexavalent chromium.
Trivalent chromium delivers comparable MacDermid Enthone Industrial Solutions has
corrosion resistance, durability, and 20+ years of expertise in trivalent chromium
appearance while eliminating the health technology, providing reliable, innovative
and environmental risks of Cr(VI). Its solutions that meet global industry standards
advantages include regulatory compliance, and regulatory requirements. Our portfolio
reduced waste, lower raw material usage, supports manufacturers’ needs for high-quality
decreased water and energy consumption, finishes, improved operational efficiencies, and
a smaller CO2 footprint, removal of allows them to take a proactive approach to
hazardous constituents, and enhanced environmental compliance.
safety.

If you're ready to explore the benefits that trivalent chromium solutions can
bring to your business, contact us or visit www.macdermidenthone.com to
learn more about our industry-leading Cr(III) technologies.

15 | SUMMARY
www.macdermidenthone.com