Sixty per cent of all the zinc on the market is used to protect steel against corrosion. Applying a layer of zinc is one of the most environmentallyfriendly ways of prolonging the life of steel by approximately 12 times. As a result, CO2 emissions are reduced because less steel needs to be produced.
Zinc is naturally abundant in the world and there are sufficient reserves available to meet the future demand of many generations to come. In the Earth’s crust, there is still an estimated 2.8 billion tons of zinc.
Zinc is not only durable during use, the metal is ideally suited for recycling as it retains its strong properties even when reused. So, the quality of recycled zinc is just the same as that of zinc at the start of its lifecycle.
The global zinc market is worth around 33 billion euros per annum. Zinc is found everywhere: electronics, medication, automotive components, construction and infrastructure works, solar panels are just a few examples.
Zinc is essential for the growth and development of all living organisms. Our bodies use it to fight infections and heal wounds and it is vital for brain development. Adults need 12 to 15 mg of zinc per day, while children need 10 mg. Zinc is found in many foods such as meat, nuts, poultry, eggs and bread.
