European regulations and growing concerns for public health are driving the phase-out of leaded brass, pushing the industry towards innovative alternatives such as eco-friendly alloys and structural thermoplastic compounds.
In recent years, the composition of materials used in contact with drinking water, such as brass, has undergone strict regulatory reviews. Traditional copper and zinc alloys, used for valves, taps, and fittings, contain up to 4% lead, a quantity that improves machinability but poses risks of releasing toxic substances.
With the upcoming restrictions from RoHS2 directives (July 2026) and ELV3 (2025), the elimination of leaded brass is set to accelerate. This scenario paves the way for alternative materials that combine safety and performance.
Low or lead-free brass alloys represent the first alternative to traditional materials. Among these, ECObrass CW724R and CW511L stand out as new benchmarks in the hydraulic and thermosanitary sectors. However, reduced lead content makes machining, particularly milling and turning, more challenging.
An increasingly popular alternative to lead-free brass is represented by glass fiber-reinforced thermoplastic compounds certified for drinking water contact.
As a leading producer of technical plastic compounds, we offer a wide range of solutions based on technical polymers like PA66, PPS, and PPA, designed for injection molding:
Thanks to these features, LATI compounds represent a reliable and sustainable alternative even for critical applications.
[Discover our structural thermoplastic compounds and choose the ideal solution for your project.]
Among the companies adopting new structural compounds to replace brass is Polytherm, currently offering a range of lead-free products for the thermosanitary sector.
The choice of the most suitable material depends on variables such as maximum temperature, required certifications, and specific structural requirements. Our technical team is available to support you in evaluating the best solution to replace brass in any type of application. Contact us to learn more.
Reinforced with glass and carbon fibers, LATI structural compounds deliver dimensional stability, rigidity, strength and resistance, even when exposed to extreme, repeated or long-lasting stresses.
Replacement of metal with polymers is now an established process in the sector of drinking water transport.
Metal replacement is a key concept in many new industrial applications that need to meet the future challenges imposed by always more demanding world-wide markets.