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Hot dip galvanizing is probably one of the most environmentally friendly processes available to prevent corrosion and it is estimated that this costs 4% of GDP. Galvanizing is efficient in its use of zinc to protect steel for long periods, saving energy and resources with minimal impact to the environment.
Zinc is the principle raw material used in the galvanizing process. It is an inherently recyclable non-ferrous metal, which can be recovered indefinitely without any loss of physical or chemical properties. This is a major advantage for the hot dip galvanizing process ensuring its environmental sustainability and cost effectiveness. Currently it is estimated that 30% of the world’s zinc consumption (3 million tonnes p.a.) is generated from recycled sources, a figure, which is increasing annually as recycling technology, improves.
SOURCES OF RECYCLED ZINC :
| Brass scrap |
42% |
| Galvanizing |
27% |
| Die casting scrap |
16% |
| Steel industry (filter dust) |
6% |
| Zinc roof sheeting |
6% |
| Chemical industry |
2% |
| Other |
1% |
| TOTAL |
100% |
SOURCE : International Zinc Association
Residues from the galvanizing process, which consist of dross (a mixture of zinc and iron), and zinc ash, are recovered and recycled for further use, often in the galvanizing process. Recycled zinc from other sources, such as zinc scrap, is also used in galvanizing at a high frequency rate. Galvanized steel can be recycled easily with other scrap metal in the steel manufacturing process.
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