Galvanizing and the Circular Economy

Hot dip galvanizing is the sustainable solution – both in its functionality and through the process itself. Thanks to its durable and versatile functions, steel is one of the most commonly used materials in a number of industries, from construction and rail to agriculture and art. But it’s estimated that one tonne of steel turns to rust every 90 seconds.

Industries are in need of a finish that is flexible, tough, and offers complete protection. So with steel’s inherently corrosive nature, a suitable coating must be selected to ensure it stands the test of time.

The galvanizing industry has welcomed this increasing focus on design for durability, deconstruction, disassembly and flexibility as well as on re-use, recovery or remanufacturing of materials. Galvanized steel structures and components are ideal circular materials for low carbon infrastructure.

Recognition that the concept of a circular economy is fundamental to optimising sustainability of materials and hot dip galvanized steel perfectly illustrates this:

• Hot dip galvanizing of steel products after fabrication delivers the highest levels of corrosion protection – the steel structure or component will often achieve its design life with no maintenance.
• The galvanized coating can follow the steel structure through multiple cycles of re-reuse.
• Galvanized coatings are bonded to the steel – allowing the steel product to be re-used along with the original coating without need for recoating.
• Galvanized steel components that have reached the end of their design life, or are uninstalled for any other reason, can be re-galvanized and returned to the original use.
• If the re-use cycles come to an end, both steel and zinc are recycled together, with the zinc being returned, without loss of properties, to zinc production plants and eventually back into the galvanizing process.

If a material system was specially designed for the circular economy, hot dip galvanizing would be a great example. But, it is here today and has been following these principles for decades.

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