European regulations and growing public health concerns are accelerating the elimination of leaded brass, driving the industry toward alternative and innovative materials such as ecological alloys and structural thermoplastic compounds.
An Increasingly Imminent Regulatory Requirement
In recent years, the composition of materials intended for contact with drinking water, such as brass, has been subject to careful regulatory review. Copper and zinc alloys traditionally used for valves, faucets, and fittings contain up to 4% lead, an amount that contributes to improved machinability but poses risks of toxic substance release.
With the approaching new restrictions provided by RoHS2 (July 2026) and ELV3 (2025) directives, the elimination of leaded brass appears destined to accelerate. This scenario opens the door to alternative materials capable of combining safety and performance.
New Ecological Alloys: ECObrass Cw724r and Cw511l
Low or zero lead content brass alloys represent the first alternative to traditional materials. Among these, ECObrass CW724R and CW511L stand out as new references in the hydraulic and thermosanitary sector. However, the reduced lead content results in more difficult mechanical processing, especially in milling and turning operations.
Reinforced Thermoplastic Compounds: the LATI Solution
An increasingly popular alternative to lead-free brass is represented by glass fiber reinforced thermoplastic compounds, certified for contact with drinking water.
As leading compound manufacturers in the technical plastic materials sector, we offer a wide range of solutions based on technical polymers such as PA66, PPS, and PPA, designed for injection molding:
- Resistance to temperatures up to 85°C.
- Ability to handle high pressures.
- Compatibility with sanitizing agents.
- Certifications for contact with drinking water, including NSF51, WRAS, ACS, and W270-E16421.
Thanks to these characteristics, LATI compounds represent a valid alternative even in critical applications, ensuring reliability and sustainability.
[Explore our structural thermoplastic compounds and choose the ideal solution for your project]
Among the companies that have chosen to adopt the new structural compounds as a replacement for brass is Polytherm, which currently offers a range of lead-free products dedicated to the thermosanitary sector.
The choice of the most suitable material depends on variables such as maximum temperature, the type of certification required, and specific structural requirements. Our technicians are available to support you in evaluating the best solution to replace brass in every type of application. Contact us to learn more
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