The sustainability of powder coating
Steel protection services such as galvanizing have become modernised to fit into a sustainable future. However, are alternative coating technologies such as powder coating as sustainable? We explore what powder coating is, whether it fits into a sustainable future, and how it compares to traditional coating methods such as paint.
What is powder coating?
Powder coating is a steel coating method where coloured powder is electrostatically sprayed onto the surface of the metal. It is used as an alternative to paint, boasting many benefits where paint may fall short. As the powder is cured into the steel, it gives an extra layer of protection against corrosion and avoids chipping and damage. It can be used on top of galvanized steel to extends its lifespan even further.
Is powder coating sustainable?
Powder coating is more sustainable and environmentally friendly than paint in many ways.
Reduced VOC emissions
Traditional liquid paints often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can contribute to air pollution and have potential health hazards. Powder coating, on the other hand, releases negligible amounts of VOCs into the atmosphere during the application process.
Reduced waste
Powder coating generates less waste compared to liquid coatings. Excess powder can be reclaimed and reused, minimising the amount of material that ends up as waste. This is particularly beneficial in terms of resource conservation and waste reduction.
Increased longevity and durability
Powder coated finishes are known for their durability and resistance to corrosion. This longevity means there is a reduced need to maintain the steel with powder coating touch-ups. There is also less time associated with arranging for recoating the steel, which can cause extra emissions associated with transport.
The increased lifespan for steel also means that there is less need to fabricate new structures, reducing any environmental impact associated with steel fabrication. This helps powder coating form part of a circular economy.
Waste disposal
The already-minimal waste generated from the powder coating process is often less hazardous than waste from traditional paint processes. Disposal of unused powder coating material is generally easier and less environmentally impactful than the disposal of leftover liquid paint and associated solvents.
This, in combination with powder coating’s material efficiency, means that powder coating is a very sustainable choice.
All companies are responsible for sustainability
Although powder coating is more sustainable than paint, it’s important to note that the overall sustainability of a product also depends on factors such as the raw material sourcing, manufacturing processes, and end-of-life considerations.
The steel protection industry is still heavily reliant on transportation between plants and clients, impacting the environment. Fortunately, solutions are being implemented to minimise this, such as using hydrogenated vegetable oil in fleet vehicles, and making all forklifts electric. Company cars at Joseph Ash Galvanizing have made the shift to electric, too. Lastly, electricity comes from renewable sources, both on-site (from solar PV arrays) and externally (by using a renewable tariff with our supplier).
All companies – regardless of industry – also need to ensure they work with companies that share their sustainability goals. At Joseph Ash Galvanizing, all suppliers are vetted to include environmental accreditations and carbon reduction plans. We, in turn, are accredited to Environmental Management ISO14001 Standards.
Sustainable powder coating at Joseph Ash Galvanizing
Joseph Ash Medway is our one-stop shop facility for shot blasting, galvanizing, and powder coating.
- Protect steel against corrosion
- Collection and delivery service
- Fast turnaround times
- AkzoNobel approved supplier of powder coating
- A wide range of powder coating colours and finishes
The sustainability of galvanizing
Galvanized steel is an integral part of everyday life and is all around us. But how does its prevalence today affect the environment of the future?
We take a look at how galvanized steel fits into a circular economy, how the galvanizing process remains a vital and sustainable element within the metals sector, and how we can all play our part contributing to a sustainable future.
Galvanized steel in a circular economy
Steel must be repurposed if the world wants to move away from traditional use-throwaway-remake models. Fortunately, both the hot dip galvanizing process and the galvanized steel itself fit into a circular economy.
What is a circular economy?
Circular economy models of sustainability encourage materials to be made, used, reused, remade, and recycled. Galvanized steel, as a product, fits perfectly into a circular economy:
Make: Galvanizing companies have been able to reduce their emissions and energy expenditure thanks to modern technology and self-containment.
Use: Galvanizing steel ensures it can last a lifetime. This reduces resources and energy spent on maintaining the quality of the steel, such as transportation and manufacturing costs.
Reuse: The galvanized coating remains strong even after dismantling, allowing to be repurposed.
Remake: Galvanized steel products can be re-galvanized and put back into service, avoiding the production of new steel. Repurposing galvanized steel is often possible without regalvanizing.
Recycle: Steel and zinc are recycled together – without loss of properties – at the end of the galvanized steel’s long-lasting lifespan.
Sustainably modernising the galvanizing process
We’ve detailed how galvanized steel fits into a circular economy, but the galvanizing process itself has become sustainable, too.
In its traditional form, the galvanizing process was not particularly sustainable due to the high energy requirements, resource consumption, and emissions associated with the process. Fortunately, the galvanizing industry has come a long way to become more environmentally sustainable. Below are some of the ways that galvanizing sites have been adapted to promote sustainability.
Self-contained sites
Modern galvanizing plants are self-contained, with steel going in at one end and the final product coming out at the other. This reduces the release of carbon dioxide into the environment. Re-use of materials also happens during the galvanizing process and is not limited to the final product. Excess metal from the dipping process deposits back into the galvanizing bath. Additionally, zinc that oxidises on the surface is removed as ash and recycled; dross from the bottom of the bath is routinely removed and has a high recycling value.
Recycling and regenerating
Other process consumables, such as hydrochloric acid and flux solutions, have important recycling or regeneration routes. For instance, spent hydrochloric acid solutions are used to produce iron chloride for treating municipal wastewater. Closed-loop flux recycling is also used in many plants, and improved monitoring and maintenance of flux tanks reduce the volume of solids for disposal.
Wastewater management
Galvanizing uses low volumes of water compared to other coating technologies; any wastewater generated can be treated and reused, with only small volumes of stable solids requiring external disposal.
Energy efficiency and emission minimisation
The galvanizing industry has also set targets for energy efficiency and improved energy management. New technology has seen improvements in burner efficiency, bath lid efficiency, and reuse of waste heat to warm pre-treatment tanks.
Furthermore, abatement plants and low-fuming chemicals are utilised to minimise emissions to the atmosphere. Where captured, the waste from these emissions is completely recycled.
Sustainability is the responsibility of everyone
Sustainability in the galvanizing industry is not limited to the changes that take place around the bath itself; the industry is still heavily reliant on transportation between plants and clients. Therefore, it is important to assess environmental impacts as a whole, in addition to galvanizing-specific measures in the site itself.
Fortunately, new solutions are being implemented to minimise emissions, such as using hydrogenated vegetable oil in fleet vehicles, and making all forklifts electric. Company cars at Joseph Ash Galvanizing have made the shift to electric, too. Lastly, electricity comes from renewable sources, both on-site (from solar PV arrays) and externally (by using a renewable tariff with our supplier).
All companies – regardless of industry – also need to ensure they work with companies that share their sustainability goals. All suppliers of Joseph Ash Galvanizing are vetted to include environmental accreditations and carbon reduction plans. We, in turn, are accredited to Environmental Management ISO14001 Standards.
Galvanizing’s sustainable future
Through energy efficiency, reduced emissions, resource conservation, waste minimisation, and collaboration, the galvanizing industry has paved the way for sustainability in the metals sector. The galvanizing industry’s modernisation demonstrates that even the most established practices can adapt to support a sustainable future.
- We’ll collect and deliver your steel to our site ✔️
- Comprehensive technical support, guidance and assistance at every stage ✔️
- Fast turnaround times ✔️
- Hot dip galvanized to BS EN ISO 1461 standards ✔️
- Part of a circular economy ✔️