The surface of steel coated with Cr³⁺-based passivation layer and polyethylene therephtalate (PET) polymeric film was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). This coating was applied to the steel surface through a co-lamination industrial procedure. As well, the coated steel porosity was characterized by BET (Brunaer, Emmert, Teller) gas adsorption technique. Basic aspects of the polymer adhesion to the passivated steel were also studied by determining the force and energy adhesion between them. The AFM results showed that the PET coating presents roughness in the nanometer scale. XPS diagrams indicated the absence of surface contaminants and flaws on the applied coating and low contaminant levels on the Cr layer and absence of Cr⁶⁺peaks after coating removal. This material can be a environmental compliant alternative to replace tinplate and Cr⁶⁺conversion layer in the food industry, being compatible with the packed product.