In the global movement toward green manufacturing and sustainable development, the electroplating industry is undergoing a major transformation, emphasizing the use of safe, non-toxic, and eco-friendly chemicals. Selecting the right electroplating solutions not only enhances coating quality and reduces pollution, but also ensures that products meet international standards.
This article introduces the Top 3 premium electroplating chemical lines from Umicore (Belgium) — a world-leading brand in precious metal technology and surface finishing solutions. These products are officially distributed in Vietnam by PMAC Corporation, which is committed to providing safe, efficient, and sustainable electroplating solutions for businesses in the era of Industry 4.0.
I. What are electroplating chemicals?
1. Basic definition
Electroplating chemicals are specialized electrolytic solutions used in the process of depositing a thin metallic layer onto a substrate through electrochemical methods. The primary goal of this process is to enhance the material’s chemical and aesthetic properties, including hardness, corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, reflectivity, and color durability.
In modern industrial manufacturing, electroplating chemicals are considered a core factor that determines the quality of the coating, operational efficiency, and stability of the production process.
Read more: High-end electroplating
2. Key components of electroplating chemicals
– Metal Salts: Provide the essential metal ions required for deposition (e.g., gold, silver, nickel, copper, zinc, etc.).
– Conductive Agents: Facilitate the movement of metal ions, ensuring uniform adhesion of the coating across the surface of the substrate.
– Additives: Enhance brightness, smoothness, color quality, and adhesion strength of the plated layer.
– Stabilizers: Maintain the chemical stability of the plating solution, preventing decomposition or precipitation during operation.
Figure 1: Components of electroplating chemicals
II. Criteria for choosing eco friendly and safe electroplating chemicals
As international environmental standards become increasingly stringent, selecting the right electroplating chemicals is essential not only for maintaining productivity but also for ensuring compliance with safety and sustainability regulations.
1. Free from toxic heavy metals
In the past, these compounds were valued for their high efficiency but caused severe environmental pollution and health risks. Today, many leading manufacturers have shifted toward cyanide-free plating chemicals, such as Umicore’s advanced electroplating solutions. These products ensure brilliant brightness, user safety, and environmental friendliness without compromising performance.
2. Reduced emissions and wastewater pollution
Another key factor is the ability to minimize hazardous waste during the plating process. Modern electroplating chemicals are formulated to reduce sludge, toxic gases, and heavy metals in wastewater, helping businesses lower environmental treatment costs while meeting global compliance standards.
3. High efficiency and energy saving
Umicore’s plating solutions are designed to enhance deposition speed, reduce energy and solution consumption, and achieve uniform coating surfaces with minimal defects. This optimization not only boosts productivity but also significantly lowers operating costs, ensuring consistent product quality.
4. Compliance with global green standards
Enterprises should prioritize chemicals that have been certified for environmental safety under international standards. Doing so demonstrates a commitment to sustainability and strengthens competitive advantages when exporting to Southeast Asian and European markets.
5. Compatibility with modern plating and recycling systems
To guarantee quality and reliable performance, businesses should collaborate with certified distributors that provide clear CO/CQ documentation and technical support from experienced specialists. Working with trusted partners ensures smooth operations, regulatory compliance, and long-term process stability.
III. Top 3 eco friendly and safe electroplating chemicals in 2025
Figure 2: Top 3 eco friendly electroplating chemicals
1. AURUNA® 502
AURUNA® 502 is a premium rose gold plating solution known for its luxurious pink-gold tone, exceptional brightness, and superior hardness. Key Features:
– Free from Cadmium and Cyanide, ensuring user and environmental safety.
– Neutral pH (~7.5) solution provides excellent color stability, uniform coating, and strong adhesion.
– The Au-Cu alloy layer (75/25) delivers a trendy rose-gold hue with outstanding hardness of 380–400 HV.
2. RHODUNA® PT ONE
Produced under ISO 14001 environmental standards, RHODUNA® PT ONE embodies Umicore’s commitment to sustainability, focusing on precious metal recycling and eco-efficient manufacturing practices.
Key Highlights:
– Formulated with a Rhodium–Platinum alloy (20% Rh / 80% Pt), it delivers a naturally bright white finish with exceptional wear resistance (~600 HV).
– Reduces precious metal usage by 30–40% compared to traditional pure Rhodium plating.
– Contains a low metal concentration (~0.3 g/L Rh + 0.7 g/L Pt), enabling environmentally responsible wastewater treatment.
– Safe, hypoallergenic, and ideally suited for luxury watches, fashion accessories, and premium components.
3. Rhoduna-Alloy Black 1
A premium black plating solution combining Rhodium and Ruthenium, RHODUNA® ALLOY BLACK 1 optimizes metal usage, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions and heavy metal discharge in the production chain. It delivers a unique deep-black finish with superior durability. Key Features:
– Rh–Ru alloy (1:1) provides an elegant anthracite-black tone, exceptional durability, and low abrasion rate (~0.2 μm).
– Cuts raw material costs by up to 45% compared to pure black Rhodium plating.
– Offers high gloss, perfect adhesion, and is ideal for luxury jewelry and designer accessories.
>> Read more: Top 3 most popular rhodium electroplating
IV. Trusted electroplating chemical brands in Viet Nam
1. Umicore – The global leader in precious metal plating solutions
Umicore is an advanced materials group based in Belgium, with extensive experience in precious metal technology and electroplating chemicals. Its products are widely trusted across jewelry, electronics, watches, and high-end components, thanks to their ability to deliver bright, durable, and environmentally friendly plating.
Figure 3: Umicore’s plating chemicals are widely used across various industries
Notably, AURUNA® and RHODUNA® lines have received multiple international certifications for safety and sustainable development, becoming the industry standard for manufacturers worldwide.
2. PMAC is an official distributor in Viet Nam
PMAC Corporation is the official distributor of Umicore in Vietnam, providing a complete range of premium electroplating chemical solutions, along with technical consulting, process guidance, and international-standard quality control.
PMAC is not just a supplier but a strategic partner, helping businesses upgrade electroplating technology, optimize production efficiency, and meet green supply chain requirements. With a team of experienced experts and a modern technical support system, PMAC is a trusted partner for companies in electroplating, jewelry, and high-end electronics sectors.
Conclusion
Adopting safe and environmentally friendly electroplating chemicals is not only a trend but an essential step for businesses to meet international green manufacturing and sustainability standards.
Products from Umicore, including AURUNA® 502, RHODUNA® PT ONE, and RHODUNA® ALLOY BLACK 1, represent the next generation of high-performance, energy-efficient, and low-emission electroplating chemicals, suitable for jewelry, electronics, watches, and high-end components.
In Vietnam, PMAC proudly serves as Umicore’s official distributor, offering comprehensive electroplating solutions from technical consultation and process control to international-standard operational training. Choosing PMAC means selecting quality, safety, and sustainability, helping businesses elevate electroplating technology and strengthen their position in the global supply chain.
Read more
https://pmac.asia/en/top-3-most-popular-rhodium-electroplating/
https://pmac.asia/en/top-3-specialized-electroplating-chemicals-for-the-electronics-industry/
https://pmac.asia/en/what-makes-rhodium-palladium-and-iridium-more-precious-than-gold/
