Zeus is an environmentally responsible global supplier and will offer a complete range of compliant extrusions in advance of the European Union’s July 2006 deadline. Customers can purchase and use with confidence many of our extrusions in the natural state, as these products do not contain resins or pigments containing heavy metals.

Zeus’ technical teams have succeeded in replacing heavy metal pigments in many of our most popular extrusions with alternate pigments. We are aggressively adapting and testing the balance of our extrusion portfolio using alternative organic pigments. Understand, however, that the current portfolio of extrusions as they currently exist will still be available.

The RoHS directive regulates six hazardous substances—cadmium, hexavalent chromium, lead, mercury, polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) and polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs). Which of these can be found in Zeus extrusions?

These substances are not found in the resins, but in the pigments used to color the extrusions. The heavy metals most commonly used at Zeus are cadmium and hexavalent chromium. Lead and mercury are sometimes used, but to a far lesser extent.

How can I determine if heavy metals are used in the extrusions my company purchases from Zeus?

Your technical sales expert will know if the extrusions you purchase from Zeus contain heavy metals.

My company wants to convert to heavy metal-free extrusions. What steps should be taken to ensure we are in compliance by July 2006?

Zeus is encouraging all of its customers that must meet the RoHS mandate to contact their technical sales representative at their earliest convenience to discuss needs and timelines. Addressing your requirements well in advance of the deadline will help us supply you with the heavy metal free extrusions you need.

Does Zeus now have extrusions that are free of heavy metals?

Zeus extrusions in their natural unpigmented state do not contain heavy metals. If color is not an issue, customers may use unpigmented extrusions in place of extrusions that contain heavy metal pigments.

My company doesn’t export products to Europe. Should I be concerned with RoHS?

Although RoHS is a mandate of the European Union, many global companies plan to meet the mandatory compliance deadline. This ensures there are no barriers to trade now or in the future. Although your company may not directly export product to Europe, there may be distributors of your products that do. It will be critical to meet RoHS requirements to ensure ongoing trade. Also, many Asian countries are proactively adopting the European Union’s standards, again so there are no barriers to trade.

Will moving to organic pigments affect the performance of the extrusion?

The performance attributes of your Zeus extrusions will not be affected by replacing heavy metal pigments with organic pigments. There may, however, be a difference in color intensity. Due to the high processing temperatures used by Zeus during the extrusion process, organic pigments lose some of their vibrancy. Finished extrusions using organic pigments tend to be less bright. In smaller diameter extrusions the color shift is less noticeable than in larger diameter extrusions.

Will Zeus provide proof of compliance with RoHS?

Zeus is in the process of securing proof of compliance from all of its suppliers. Please be aware that this process takes time. We will keep you updated as to our progress. You also may check our web site for more information and updates.