Kobaltloze

Kobaltloze is a term used primarily in Dutch-language industry discussions to indicate that a material or product contains no cobalt or is formed without cobalt as an alloying element or additive. It is applied across sectors such as metals, pigments, ceramics, and electronics, where cobalt’s presence is either undesirable or restricted.

Motivation and context: Cobalt commonly occurs in alloys, catalysts, and pigments. Concerns about health effects, ethical mining, and supply-chain risks have spurred interest in cobalt-free alternatives. In consumer electronics, jewelry, and other goods, brands may advertise “kobaltloze” to emphasize cobalt-free supply chains or to meet sustainability standards.

Standards and labeling: There is no universal international standard for “kobaltloze.” Definitions vary by company or jurisdiction; some may use threshold-based criteria (for example, cobalt content below a defined ppm level), while others require complete absence. Verification may involve supplier declarations, material certificates, or independent testing.

Applications and approaches: In metals, cobalt-free grades use alternative alloying elements such as nickel, chromium, or iron to achieve similar properties. In pigments and glazes, cobalt-free colors are achieved with other oxides or frits. In batteries and catalysts, researchers pursue cobalt-free chemistries, with varied performance implications. The term is often used in sustainability and responsible-sourcing contexts.

See also: cobalt, cobalt-free alloys, sustainable materials, responsible sourcing.