20.02.2026
European directives and lead-free alloys: a complex transition that requires expertise and vision.
In the last few years, the European Commission has introduced two new directives to limit the use of harmful substances, with particular reference to lead. These two directives are commonly identified by the acronyms DWD (Drinking Water Directive) and RoHS-2 (Restriction of Hazardous Substances).
This is a significant regulatory change that heavily impacts the main sectors in which brass alloys are used today, particularly in water control systems and electromechanical devices.
For this reason, together with the growing focus on environmental sustainability, the new directives are pushing companies to review materials and production processes, replacing traditional lead alloys with lead-free alternatives.
For many operators in the sector, this transition represents a complex challenge, mainly due to the more stringent hot workability and deformability characteristics generated by the elimination of lead.
Abandoning leaded brass alloys therefore means rethinking technologies, skills, machinery, and the management of the entire production chain.
For Dall'Era Valerio, this evolution represents the natural continuation of a process that began some time ago. The company is now fully equipped to produce components in low-lead or lead-free alloys, with a strong focus on optimizing the recycling of processing waste and providing technical support to customers already in the product redesign phase.
The know-how gained in 60 years of experience translates into complete control of the production chain, including with Ecobrass alloys such as CW724R, CW510L, and CW511L, materials that are increasingly in demand and used for multiple applications in various industrial sectors.
The structured management of highly complex processes allows Dall'Era Valerio to engineer specific production processes capable of guaranteeing high quality standards across a wide range of customized components.
Even in such a significant and complex phase of regulatory and technological transformation, customers can find in Dall'Era Valerio a solid and competent partner, capable of accompanying them in the transition to lead-free alloys with technical expertise, advanced technologies, and a collaborative consulting approach.
For years, the company has also been working to make its production process increasingly environmentally friendly, reducing waste, improving material efficiency, and increasing the use of energy from alternative sources, with a view to achieving concrete and measurable sustainability.
