Oct. 20, 2021
Nippon Steel Corporation
Nippon Steel Corporation (“Nippon Steel”) has begun the commercial
production of chromate-free tinplate*.
Tinplate is mainly used as a material for containers such as food and beverage packaging cans, as well as
general cans. It is an environmentally friendly material whose recycling rate exceeds 90% in Japan. The
basic features required include corrosion resistance, lacquer adhesion, weldability, an attractive outer
appearance and safety as a material for food containers.
To date, Nippon Steel has been developing, manufacturing and supplying various types of tinplate in
accordance with environmental regulations around the world. In the meantime, Europe has decided to ban the
use of hexavalent chromium in the manufacturing process of tinplate (chromate treatment process) as per
the REACH Regulation (will come into force in April, 2024).
In order to satisfy such strict international environmental regulations and supply requests from
consumers, we have developed chromate-free tinplate called “EZP™.” As for the
manufacturing process, the existing chromate treatment process will be replaced with a zirconium treatment
process which forms zirconium oxide layer that have performance equivalent to that of conventional
chromate layer. We have patents for this technology pending approval in many countries.
EZP™ is the trademark for our chromate-free tinplate, which was named after the words "feel
easy" and "product," to reflect our wish that this product will make its users “feel
safe”. The green leaf in the product logo indicates that it is a safe and eco-friendly product.
Recognized for its high safety as a food container material, EZP™ has been officially certified as a
Food Contact Substance by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Union
(EU). It is currently pending approval by MERCOSUR (the Southern Common Market).
Nippon Steel has started the full commercial production of EZP™ in this fiscal year. Because
multiple consumers interested in EZP™ are currently evaluating this material, we expect its sales to
increase further in the future.
* Tinplate which undergoes Chromium-free passivation treatment. This treatment does not intentionally use
chromium containing chemicals.
Pursuing the world’s best technology and manufacturing capabilities, Nippon
Steel will continue its efforts in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by the
United Nations (“Good health and well-being” and “Life below water”),
contributing to social development.
