ABSTRACT
The electroplating industry is still dominated by very small companies in both countries, though it is gradually consolidating and a few small non-specialized companies have closed. The electroplating industry has been moving away from a subcontractor role, reflecting a shift in the manufacturing industries attitude towards subcontractors, from arms-length contracts to partnerships, involving fewer subcontractors but working more closely with them. The plating companies are small companies without formalized research and development activities. The managers and employees often have practical, but little or no theoretical knowledge of the processes. The most important environmental impact comes from the emission of heavy metals in the waste water, and the production of sludge with metal hydroxide. The firm has installed a traditional internal waste water treatment plant, and implemented a range of cleaner technology solutions. Hydrogen cyanide is a very toxic substance. Cyanide has received much attention, therefore, from the regulatory authorities, and there is a long history of attempts to find substitutes.
