WEP has Initiated PFAS-Free trials in Collaboration with leading Automotive Manufacturers.

Wolverhampton Electro Plating (WEP) has teamed up with a leading automotive fastener manufacturer to trial PFAS-free coating systems for major OEMs.

A member of the Anochrome Group, WEP is leveraging its metal finishing expertise and advanced testing facilities to assess the performance of PFAS-free finishes across a range of components.

The fastener manufacturer, a key supplier to globally recognised automotive brands, has tasked WEP with conducting these trials as part of wider industry efforts to eliminate coatings containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are being phased out due to their environmental persistence and potential health hazards.

Denis Rainbird, General Manager at WEP, said, “We’ve been engaged in testing PFAS-free zinc flake coating alternatives for tier one customers over the past six months.

“Utilising the on-site cyclic corrosion system at our sister company Anochrome Ltd, WEP’s salt spray chamber and coefficient of friction testing equipment, we’ve accurately assessed how each part performs with various coatings.

“In collaboration with lead fastener engineers, we’re working to demonstrate that these coatings offer performance and protection equal to, or greater than, PFAS-containing finishes.

“This partnership further showcases our team’s technical expertise and the capabilities of the Group’s industry-leading testing facilities.”

The trials are evaluating PFAS-free zinc flake coatings from GEOMET NOF, Magni, and Dörken, alongside electroplated PFAS-free topcoats from MacDermid.

Led by WEP’s Paul Walker-Shelton (Technical Sales), Richard Chater (HSE & Technical Support Manager), and Andy Ball (APQP Engineer), together with Anochrome Technical Manager Rob Tennant, the testing programme is still underway.

PFAS are known to persist in the environment, contaminating soil and water and causing long-term ecological damage. Phasing them out promotes safer manufacturing, supports regulatory compliance, and advances more sustainable, environmentally responsible production practices.