Zinc is an essential metal that is used in many fields in industry and plays a prominent role in the world of scrap metal processing. As one of the most important minerals of our time, it is not only the backbone of modern industry, but also a key player in sustainable development.
In the field of industrial recycling, zinc recycling is particularly noteworthy because it not only contributes to the economical use of raw materials, but also provides significant environmental benefits, such as energy saving.
Given the increase in demand and global recycling efforts, it is particularly important to understand how this metal can contribute to environmental objectives and economic sustainability in the coming decades.
In our article, we present in detail the role of zinc in the process of industrial recycling, as well as thematically describe the main areas of use of zinc, recycling statistics and expected future trends.
Areas of use of zinc
It is widely used in the construction industry to electronics. Its best known application is electroplating, where wooden and steel surfaces are protected from corrosion. In addition, zinc is also a major component of the beer and chemical industry. It also plays an important role in the food industry, since zinc is necessary for the development and health of the human body.
The process of zinc recycling
The recycling of zinc consists of several stages that allow the efficient processing of metal waste, while contributing to sustainable industrial practices. The first step is the collection and preparation of zinc waste, which includes the collection of zinc-containing materials produced by manufacturers, companies and even households.
Examples of such waste are galvanized steel plates, old roofing materials, as well as various zinc-coated products so that they can benefit from later reuse. Subsequently, the waste is thoroughly cleaned and sorted to optimize the physical state of pure zinc, because it is essential during the processing process.
At the next stage of processing, zinc is melted with the help of heat guns, in the process of which increased attention is paid to the removal of metal vapors and other impurities. Cleaning steps are indispensable, as contaminated zinc not only degrades quality, but can also cause problems in the production of subsequent products. After this work phase, zinc in its recycled form, such as bars, plates or other molded products, is already ready to serve the needs of different industries such as construction or mechanical engineering. Recycling not only contributes to the economical use of raw materials, but also offers significant environmental benefits, such as reducing the ecological footprint caused by mining activities and promoting the principles of a circular economy.
Statistics and international examples
By now, recycling is a worldwide practice that is receiving increasing attention as a result of global sustainability efforts. In the United States, the zinc recycling rate is close to 65%, a remarkable achievement thanks to improvements in the industry and conscious waste management procedures. In Europe, this ratio reaches 70% in some countries, which is not only beneficial to the local economy, but also contributes to environmental protection. According to data from the International Zinc Association, about 30% of global zinc production is produced from recycled zinc, suggesting that zinc recycling has become a significant industry norm.
In Hungary, too, more and more emphasis is being put on the recycling of metals, as the application of green technologies is essential to reduce the environmental footprint. Experts from local industrial plants are constantly working on refining zinc processing methods, improving waste recycling and increasing efficiency. Some domestic companies use innovative technologies such as hydrometallurgical processes or vacuum-based processing methods, which make a significant contribution to achieving environmental goals. These technologies not only improve the quality of zinc, but also make waste reduction more targeted, thus reducing the pollution generated by agricultural and industrial production.