Zinc giant Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL) is revving its engine for the future with the launch of EcoZen, a low-carbon zinc brand targeting the booming Indian automotive sector.
This is particularly timely given the industry’s growing adoption of galvanised steel, a key material protected by zinc coatings. This shift presents a confluence of sustainability and cost advantages.
How is it different? Misra says that EcoZen’s corrosion resistance properties ensure the longevity of automotive components, reducing the need for frequent replacements and maintenance. This not only contributes to cost savings but also helps automotive manufacturers meet stringent environmental regulations and sustainability goals. By using EcoZen, automotive parts and structures can withstand harsh conditions, thereby enhancing vehicle durability and performance.
The development should also be seen in the context of the country’s largest car maker, Maruti Suzuki, which recently announced its plans to increase the adoption of galvanised steel for a significant portion of its body. This trend is likely to continue with other manufacturers following suit, the top executive noted.
Beyond domestic demand, there’s a growing international concern about CO2 emissions associated with imported goods. Developed countries are becoming increasingly selective about their consumption, demanding information on the environmental footprint of products. This puts pressure on Indian vehicle manufacturers to demonstrate lower CO2 emissions in their exports to avoid penalties and reputational damage, Misra continued. For Indian steelmakers, a significant portion of their flat products (40–50%) are used in the auto sector, much of which is exported.
Hindustan Zinc Limited, a Vedanta Group company, is the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer and the third-largest silver producer. The company supplies zinc to more than 40 countries and holds a market share of about 75% of the primary zinc market in India
“Produced with a carbon footprint of less than one tonne of carbon equivalent, EcoZen represents one of the most sustainable low carbon zinc options on the market for its role in protecting infrastructure and in technologies for the low carbon transition.” remarked Misra. It has one of the lowest global warming potential (GWP) values on the market, about 75% lower than the global average. The product’s certification process is based on a mass-balance approach and has been undertaken using the cradle-to-gate method, the company stated.
The scalability part? Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc reveals that the target this year would be somewhere around 8% (about 60,000 tonnes) and then about 30–35% in the next year, matching with the corresponding increase in renewable power going forward.