Oct. 15, 2013—In response to recent legislation in California and Washington State that mandates copper reductions in original equipment and replacement brake pads and shoes, Federal-Mogul’s Wagner Brake brand is attempting to raise consumer awareness with its new “LeafMark” packaging that the company hopes will assist consumers in determining if a product meets the new low-copper requirements.
The Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA) and industry brake manufacturing registrar NSF International has promoted Wagner’s series of “LeafMark” designations and created three levels of requirement to place on packaging for quick consumer recognition.
The lowest level, Level A, designates that requirements concerning cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury and asbestos have been meet. Level A compliance is required by Jan. 1, 2014, in California and by January 2015 in Washington.
Level B meets all of Level A’s requirements as well as copper equaling less than 5 percent of material weight. This is required by 2021.
In 2025, a “Zero Copper” requirement will be in effect and marked by Level N.