CO₂ reduction in hot-dip galvanizing

The members of Zinkinfo Benelux already meet the CO₂ reduction requirements for 2030 set out in the Dutch Steel Building Agreement. This agreement, in which the entire steel construction chain is participating, is based on the targets imposed by the European Commission as part of the Green Deal. The steel construction chain aims to reduce emissions by 60% from 1990 levels by 2030.

Reconstruction of CO₂ emissions in 1990

Due to the lack of detailed historical records, emissions data were reconstructed in cooperation with the European General Galvanizers Association (EGGA). Emissions in 1990 were estimated at 80,520,732 kg of CO₂.

CO₂ emissions in 2022

In 2022, emissions were set at 19,790,000 kg of CO₂, representing a 75% reduction compared to 1990. This result is particularly impressive given the growth in the amount of galvanized steel from 205,000 tons in 1990 to 236,500 tons in 2022 (+18%).

Key reduction factors

• Reduction of operational sink lines
• Higher utilization of existing lines
• Increased reuse of heat from flue gases
• Electrification of material handling
• Using electricity with a lower carbon footprint

Conclusion

The members of Zinkinfo Benelux are ahead of the set climate goals and are proving that sustainable production processes can also go hand in hand with growth in production volumes.