Zinc proves to be a reliable ally for a circular economy model, since not only does it maximize the lifespan of the product without altering their recyclability, but it’s in itself an highly recyclable material. This is highly compatible with circular economy goals, which aims to reduce new resource exploitation through use of recycling.
Over 30% of world’s currently processed zinc is reprocessed from either production scraps or dismissed components. Recycling involves all processing phases, and all zinc based products are recyclable. Moreover, zinc coating doesn’t prevent recycling of other metals or alloys. In fact, thanks to the most recent technologies, like the electric arc furnace, even zinc powder produced during galvanized steel’s recycling can be collected and reused, thus further reducing waste of material.
ZINC ROLE IN CIRCULAR ECONOMY
Thanks to its metallurgic characteristics, once that zinc-made products come to their end of life they can be gathered and processed to be reconverted into new products. In 2010, almost 4 million tons of zinc were recovered and reintroduced in the productive cycle by using the modern recycling systems.
Zinc industry constantly invests in new technologies to increase the efficiency of scraps recovery, thanks to which is possible to lower the pollution caused by continued mining extraction and to safeguard natural reserves of zinc.
On a global scale, almost 45% of zinc is saved and recycled. In developed countries like Europe and North America, recycling percentage is even higher, reaching 95% when considering brass and roof coverings production.
Although it may go unnoticed, the use of zinc in everyday life can significantly help in reducing the environmental footprint through its many applications. This help to improve the circular economy.
BRUSCHI COMMITMENT TO A SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION
In addition to the use of a highly recyclable raw material, Bruschi is committed to maintaining an efficient production and following international standards in matters of environmental safety. Because of this, the company applied for and achieved important certifications like ISO 14001 and SMETA 4-Pillars.
ISO 14001
ISO 14001 identifies a standard of environmental management system inspired by the PDCA model (Plan-Do-Check-Act).
For this certification, the company must define its goals and environmental policy, as a signal of a real commitment to constant improvement and control of the adequacy of its environmental management system.
Therefore, it is necessary to identify how company’s process could impact the environment and to define an objective evaluation system of said impact (e.g. gas emissions, water discharge, correct disposal of hazardous substances and waste), identify law imposed limits and define its own ecological goals. Next phase requires an active application of the established set of rules, through definition of resources, roles and responsibility in the environmental management system. Related files should always be kept up to date and periodically checked. Monitoring should be constant, especially in regard of operations at risk of high environmental impact.
Bruschi dedication to keep up-to-date and ecologically safe is shaped on this model, maintaining a constant control of production quality not only for our clients, but also for the environment.
SMETA-4 PILLARS
In February of 2017, Bruschi achieved the certification SMETA 4-Pillars, which involves the subscription to a shared ethical and behavioral statute, confirming its devotion not only towards the environment and a sustainable production system, but also towards labor’s right, safety and health.
SMETA 4-Pillars directions for environment are based on the following requirements:
- Observance of all applicable local and national environmental laws;
- Ability to demonstrate possession of relevant valid permits, including those for use and disposal of resources;
- Awareness to end client’s environmental standards/code requirements and monitor their performance against these.
It’s also required that the company subscribing for the SMETA 4-Pillars produces clear environmental policy and environmental impact assessment documentation; waste management policies and water, energy and resource conservations programs should be arranged, along with air-emission, boundary noise and effluent discharge limitations. Moreover, all required licenses and certificates should be maintained, in order to comply with local law and be aware of customer requirements for continuous improvement.
To know more about this certification, please feel free to consult our article Bruschi achieves SMETA 4-Pillars certification or official Sedex - SMETA organizer – website.
Bruschi strongly believes in business ethics, and has always been committed to producing solutions that will not only apply to our customers, but that will lead us toward a better future for us all.
