Niedax Group relies on CO2-reduced zinc in production

Starting this year, the Niedax Group will use "Low-Carbon Zinc" from the Swedish mining and metal smelting company Boliden for the first time in its own state-of-the-art hot-dip galvanizing plant at the St. Katharinen site (Rhineland-Palatinate). This means that 20 percent of Niedax's annual zinc consumption is covered by the CO2-reduced version of the raw material. The use of Boliden's "Low-Carbon Zinc" enables the Niedax Group to produce its hot-dip galvanized cable laying systems with an improved carbon footprint. This results in a smaller CO2 footprint for hot-dip galvanized products, which also benefits customers. Boliden uses fossil-free energy in both mining and metal smelting to produce zinc with CO2 emissions of less than one kilogram of CO2 per kilogram of zinc - a world-leading footprint. Compared to the industry average, where the production of one kilogram of Special High Grade Zinc generates 3.89 kilograms of CO2 emissions according to industry body the International Zinc Association [1], Boliden's low-carbon zinc has been proven to reduce emissions by over 70 percent according to ISO 14044 [2]. This is a remarkable reduction in CO2 emissions, which are calculated based on Scope 1, 2 and 3 of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG). It represents a further step for Niedax in the production of more environmentally friendly hot-dip galvanized products.

Alexander Horn, Technical Managing Director and shareholder of the Niedax Group, emphasizes the importance of this initiative: "As an international company, we are committed to sustainable business practices and the reduction of our CO2 footprint. The integration of CO2-reduced zinc into our production chain is the next step in the procurement of green raw materials for our production. It is also a clear expression of our commitment to climate protection." Sven Hjelmstedt, Director Sales at Boliden, adds: "This collaboration underlines the immediate benefits of choosing emission-reduced raw materials in reducing the carbon footprint. By using our CO2-reduced zinc, the Niedax Group demonstrates the importance of reducing emissions throughout the value chain. To drive change in the industry, we need to encourage a change in mindset among ourselves, our suppliers, our customers and ultimately the end consumer. This is how we ensure a sustainable future for generations to come." Zinc is an important raw material for the long-term protection of steel against corrosion. The zinc acts as a protective barrier that makes Niedax steel products resistant to environmental influences and extends their service life. The zinc ores for Boliden's "Low-Carbon Zinc" are extracted and processed into fine zinc in the company's own mines and metal smelting plants in the Nordic countries without the use of fossil fuels.