Activity Report Zinkinfo 2022

Activity Report

ZINKINFO BENELUX 2022

FOREWORD

For the fifth time, we can offer you Zinkinfo Benelux’s activity report. In 2022, we have defined a new mission and a new strategic story. The important thing is that we will sit at the table with technical education, clients, end users and architects on the basis of the strengths of hot-dip galvanizing. By properly informing these stakeholders, we are convinced that hot-dip galvanized steel will play an important role in the circular economy.

Mission

Among stakeholders of today and tomorrow, we want discontinuous hot-dip galvanizing to be widely recognized as the most effective and sustainable form of corrosion prevention for steel.

Strategic story

Hot-dip galvanizing is a unique process and has been the “world champion in corrosion prevention” for more than 150 years. No other method even comes close to this most complete protection of steel. Moreover, it is also the smartest and most responsible choice. In the fight against global warming, circular construction has a major role to play. Making better use and reusing scarce raw materials is the common thread here. Thanks to hot-dip galvanizing we are going for 100% circular steel. The best protection and the most responsible choice.

Staff

The staffing of Zinkinfo Benelux has been subject to change in recent years. Evi Renard has been a regular for ZIB since its inception in 2010. In mid-May 2019, Hans Boender was recruited to succeed Guus Schmittmann due to his retirement. At the end of November of the same year, Paul ter Haar left and was not succeeded. In January 2020, Bruno Dursin also informed the Executive Board of his departure. After a long recruitment period, Peter de Brabandere served as ZIB director for a short time in 2021. Since then, no suitable candidate has been found for the position of director. In 2022, the board therefore chose to hire Bruno for a few hours per week for marketing matters for the time being. Also in 2022, Guus has been active within the standards committee of EGGA and also in the position of chairman at the NEN standards committee. Together with Hans, Guus worked on the NEN 5254 and the new EN-ISO 1461. Thus, the staffing in 2022 actually consisted of Evi Renard and Hans Boender. The work was roughly divided as follows: Evi Renard: Office Management, Marketing & Communications. Hans Boender: Helpdesk, Technology, Inspections & Training.

PARTNER SINCE 2019

Hasco-Thermic Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of B.E Wedge Holdings Ltd, the holding company for leading galvanizing businesses in the UK, Continental Europe and the USA.

Celebrating nearly 50 years in industry, Hasco-Thermic has established an enviable reputation for supplying and installing reliable, efficient and durable hot dip galvanizing plants across the globe.

Products include:

- Highly Efficient Furnaces

- Integrated Heat Recovery Systems

- Fume Enclosures to latest standards

- Preheating Ovens

- Consultancy Services

Hasco-Thermic is perfectly placed to offer a flexible approach to meet the needs of its customers.

• Information: www.hascothermic.com

• Contact: Mevr. Angela Curtis | +44 (0)121 552 4911 | angelac@hasco.co.uk

MARKETING & PROMOTION Publications & Communication

ZEKER ZINK MAGAZINE

Zinkinfo sent the ZEKER ZINK magazine only once to 9,151 Dutch-speaking and 967 French-speaking subscribers in 2022. The Dutch magazine was opened 2,105 times, the French 101 times. These statistics are monitored through Mailchimp and ISSUU.

Starting in 2023, efforts will be made to increase the number of magazines again to four per year.

ZEKER ZINK JULY 2022 Industrial building with galvanized steel

In issue 11 of our magazine, we took a closer look at a market segment that is still very important for steel construction and where the topic of conservation gets a lot of attention. The petrochemical industry is not only an important employee in the ports of Antwerp, Vlissingen and Rotterdam. It is also a sector in full transition, with a clear course towards CO2 reduction and recycling/reuse of raw materials. Many investments are therefore planned for the coming years.

PARTNER SINCE 2011

VCD is supplier of all chemical products for surface treatment in the field of hot-dip galvanising, including degreasing and passivation of coatings.

VCD is a promoter of ecological solutions that meet the European REACH and ISO regulations. The processes are modern and designed in accordance with the regulations. They meet the current and future needs of the company’s customers.

VCD’s success depends on the answers to all the following challenges:

- understanding customer needs

- continuous investment in R&D

- developing flexible and available processes

- providing technical expertise through a team of professionals alert to market changes

- ensure continuous process control and optimisation

VCD has a know-how in surface preparation; one of the keys to a successful surface treatment.

VCD takes care of the training of its customers through intra- or extra-corporate training courses according to the number of participants. Areas of competence include the practice of analytical methods, surface treatment technology as well as process control and good practices.

VCD assists and advises its customers in the control of the galvanising processes as well as in the continuous improvement of these processes.

• Information: www.vcd-floridienne.com | info@vcd-floridienne.com

• Contact: Mr. Jacques Maubert | +32 (0)476 42 34 30 |jacques.maubert@vcd-floridienne.com

NEW TECHNICAL INFO SHEET 24 - GALVANIZED STEEL IN THE GROUND

As we can observe in daily practice, a great deal of galvanized steel is used in soil without significant premature corrosion. Sometimes, however, deterioration of the zinc layer can be observed. This incipient deterioration of the zinc is a signal of an aggressive condition specifically in this situation. The corrosion rate of steel in soil can range from less than 0.2 microns per year in favorable conditions, to 20 microns per year or more in very aggressive soil conditions.

In order to increase the name recognition of Zinkinfo and especially ZEKER ZINK, we regularly send out press releases to the Belgian and Dutch press. In doing so, we emphasise the collective approach of the sector and the need for proactive communication between galvanisation companies and clients.

22/06/2022 - Melopee winnaar van de Global Galvanizing Awards

Beton & Staalbouw

07/11/2022 - Bouwakkoord Staal - collectief startpunt voor duurzamer staal in bouw & infra

09/11/2022 - Benelux Trofee voor Thermisch Verzinken 2023

Jubileumboek 2022-2023 - Wereldkampioen in corrosiepreventie

Exclusieve nieuwsbrief over Melopee

Grond, Weg, Waterbouw & Projecto

01/05/2022 - Samen voor duurzamer staal in de bouw

22/06/2022 - Melopee winnaar van de Global Galvanizing Awards

11/10/2022 - Thermisch vezrinken en duurzaam bouwen - oplossingen voor een duurzame economie

26/10/2022 - Benelux Trofee voor Thermisch Verzinken 2023

09/11/2022 - Benelux Trofee voor Thermisch Verzinken 2023

21/11/2022 - Benelux Trofee voor Thermisch Verzinken 2023

ArchiComm

België & Nederland

25/03/2022 - Verzinkt staal als duurzame bouwsteen in de circulaire economie

01/07/2022 - Markante gevel van verzinkt staal voor The Silo

09/11/2022 - Benelux Trofee voor Thermisch Verzinken 2023

Exclusieve nieuwsbrief over Melopee

Overige

Bouwen met Staal - Global Galvanizing Award voor Gents project

Newsletter Infostee: Melopee in Gent winnaar van de Global Galvanizing Awards

SOCIAL MEDIA

In order to spread the ZEKER ZINK philosophy as much as possible, ZIB uses social media such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.

ZIB has a company page followed by nearly 1,300 people. In it, 66 messages were posted by ZIB in 2022:

- New publications

- Events

- News from our members and partners

- News about EGGA

- Press releases

- Technical info -

In addition, Evi Renard has a professional account with about 3,900 connections on which messages about hot-dip galvanizing are also posted on a regular basis.

1. BTTV

2. Magazine “Construction industrielle en acier galvanisé

3. Introduction du nouveau conseil d’administration d’InfoZinc

PARTNER SINCE 2011

DIPL.-ING. HERWIG provides a full range of Galvanizing Consulting Services aimed to help our customers in achieving the best galvanizing practices and results:

• Environmental-friendly processes and alloys to maximize output and improved galvanized quality

• Custom made solutions to fit each galvanizers’ requirements and demands

• In-plant training and knowledge ‘refreshing’ of galvanizing concepts and best practices

• Seminars in Galvanizing

Front runner in Galvanizing Market

As one of the world’s leading suppliers of chemicals and zinc alloys for the galvanizing industry, our main principles are: Efficiency, Flexibility and Vision towards the Future. We develop new products for the galvanizing industry and in our portfolio we market and several specialty processes, recycle chemicals and also project and build galvanizing plants. Aside, Herwig is holds numerous patents in Galvanizing. Our personal involvement in this industry ensures state-of-the-art products, as a result of research and development and a comprehensive problem solving know-how, which makes our company the right companion for the Galvanizers.

Herwig Worldwide

We show truly global presence. Being a proven specialist in the galvanizing sector, we are operating worldwide, providing a reliable technical consultation service and offering a broad spectrum of high-quality products. We support our customers through our worldwide network of agents and representatives. Each member of this network operates at once independently and for the general good. We add our support in the form of training courses and joint visits on site. Customers all over the world have their own local contact partner – someone who can support them in their own national language and with an understanding of the local mentality and conditions. The times needed to react to customers’ requirements and needs can thus be kept to a minimum.

• Information: www.herwig-gmbh.com | info@herwig-gmbh.com

• Contact: Mevr. Klaudia Gorajek | +49(0)2331 9 15 5 65 | klaudia.gorajek@herwig-gmbh.com

MEMBER NEWSLETTER

JANUARY 2022

• New Year’s greeting

• Galvanized steel and sustainable construction webinar

• Activity Report 2021

APRIL 2022

• Networking event 2022

• Revision NEN 5254

• Intergalva Rome June 2022

JUNI 2022

• Melopee winner Global Galvanizing Awards

• Project Visit Bressoux Terminal in Luik

• Intergalva Rome June 2022

AUGUST 2022

• Throwback Intergalva Rome

• Update EN ISO 1461

• News about our members - FIB

NOVEMBER 2022

• Benelux Trophy for hot dip galvanizing 2023

• Infosession Seco

• Networking event 2022 Mechelen

PARTNER SINCE 2011

In our Riepe factory we produce Pilling boilers and other special welding constructions for the galvanising industry.

With our experience of more than one hundred years and continuous improvement of both materials and production technologies, we are able to produce zinc boilers of all sizes and shapes for all types of heating systems.

Pumping and keeping molten metal hot

Our special pilling service for galvanizing plants makes kettle replacement faster and therefore more economical for you. The liquid zinc can be temporarily be stored in our heatable holding furnaces during kettle replacement. These furnaces developed by Pilling make it possible to significantly reduce the startup phase of your new kettle.

USI measurement

In addition, we offer wall thickness measurement of your kettle. At the same time, we check the condition of the kettle in the filled state with an ultrasonic probe at intervals specified by you. This service takes only a few hours and can be carried out in off-peak times without or with little restrictions on your production.

• Information: www.pilling.de | post@pilling.de

• Contact: Mr. Nikolai Prinz | +49 2352 2015 - 30 | n.prinz@pilling.de

MAILS TO MEMBERS

PRESENTATION WORKING GROUP ZIB2025

03/02/2022 PROFILE OF NEW ZIB EMPLOYEE

WORKING GROUP

08/02/2022 INFOSESSION CIRCULAR BUILDING ZINKINFO BENELUX ZIB2025 WORKING GROUP

09/03/2022 WAR IN UKRAINE ALSO AFFECTS BENELUX GALVANIZING SECTOR MEMBERS ZIB & PARTNERS

28/03/2022 CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT STEEL MEMBERS ZIB

28/03/2022 ORDER NEW SIGNS ZEKER ZINK MANIFEST MEMBERS ZIB

07/04/2022 COVENANT WORKING GROUPS CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT STEEL MEMBERS ZIB

20/04/2022 SURVEY OF INTEREST IN RESEARCH PROJECT RELATED TO GALVANIZING AND/OR COATING MEMBERS ZIB NETHERLANDS

25/04/2022 HYDROGEN BURNERS (NIPPON GLASS) ENGINEERING COMMITTEE

25/04/2022 AVAILABILITY OF GAS MEMBERS ZIB BELGIUM

25/04/2022 SUMMARY EGGA MEETINGS ON APRIL 5 & 6 MEMBERS ZIB

28/04/2022 INTERGALVA JUNE 20-24 ROME EARLY BIRD FARE

ZIB

ZIB 31/05/2022 ADJUST ENERGY SAVINGS OBLIGATION AND RESEARCH OBLIGATION FOR ENERGY-INTENSIVE COMPANIES

30/05/2022 PROGRESS OF GUIDE RAIL REUSE WORKING GROUP

ON CLASS E AND CLASS F RESULTS

EN ISO 1461

ZIB

Events

PROJECT VISIT BESSOUX TERMINAL LUIK

On June 14, Zinkinfo and Infosteel organized a project visit to the Bressoux terminal of the Liège tramway. The city of Liège will have a streetcar that will serve 23 stations. On the Bressoux site, at the end of the line, there will be the maintenance center, the washing area, the streetcar’s storage area and a P+R parking garage.

The 4,200 m2 maintenance center is a metal structure of about 300 tons consisting of portals supporting walkways and maintenance corridors. The 3,900 m2 storage center is 234 m long for about 150 tons and consists of metal beams resting on one side on a metal column and on the other side against a concrete building of the P+R parking garage.

The washing station consists of concrete walls raised by steel columns and beams that support the roof panels and glazed frames. Railings and steel walkways complete the structure. Besides the economic and aesthetic nature of the material, the choice of a steel structure (hot-dip galvanized) was logical because of the ease and speed of execution.

During the event, participants were hosted at the Public Transport Museum of Wallonia, where they attended presentations by Zinkinfo (Bruno Dursin), TEC/Tram Liege (Daniel Wathelet), Architectural Firm Greisch - BAG (PierreFrançois Geenen), Lemaire Study Firm (Hugues Wilkin) and Ateliers Mersch (Thierry Mersch).

NETWORKING EVENT

On Sept. 13, Zinkinfo hosted its annual networking event for members, affiliates and suppliers at the beautiful Martins Patershof in Mechelen.

In addition to ZIB’s affiliates, four companies had registered. We were also able to welcome another new partner this fall, Mavom Chemical Solutions.

After two hugely informative presentations by Oliver Herwig (Dipl. Ing. Herwig GmbH) and René Branders (FIB Belgium) the participants who had chosen the Escape Room could try to defuse the so-called activated bomb. The participants who visited Dossin military base were greatly impressed by the testimonies of exclusion, discrimination and mass violence, but also of hope and resistance.

After the break, part of the group discovered the most beautiful places in Mechelen, the others got to taste the delicious Gouden Carolusbier after a guided tour of Brewery Het Anker. Traditionally, the day ended with a delicious dinner in the chapel of Martins Patershof.

We can look back on a very enjoyable day, many thanks to everyone who attended!

All pictures of the networking event can be found at this link

We hope all members and partners enjoyed this beautiful day and are already looking forward to the next edition!

PARTNER SINCD 2022

Mavom Chemie produces chemical solutions for industrial applications for OEMs, coating companies and industrial service providers.

Increasingly, they are acting as a Total Solution Provider, completely relieving customers of the burden of setting up and controlling a smooth and safe process. In their own R&D lab they develop (customized) products for metal pre-treatment, industrial cleaning and chemical contract blending. They supply these directly from stock in the Netherlands, Belgium and through partners also in other EU countries. In addition, knowledge sharing, preventive advice and safety and laboratory training are an important added value to their product portfolio.

Mavom

Chemie - Master your process

• Information: www.mavom.nl | sales.chemie@mavom.nl

• Contact: Mevr. Daisy de Koning | +31 (0)172 220 460

SPORTS FACILITIES TRADE FAIR

On April 26, Zinkinfo was present with a stand at the Sport Accommodations trade fair in Expo Houten.

Trade Fair Sport Accommodations is the platform for innovation, knowledge and networking opportunities in the field. This is the only trade fair in the Netherlands that places “sport accommodations” at the center.

We welcomed several interested parties to our stand, including the familiar face below.

During the fair, Hans Boender gave a presentation on the revised code of practice “Powder and wet paint on galvanized substrates”.

PARTNER SINDS 2011

Rezinal nv from Belgium is the trendsetter in sustainable zinc recycling of zinc ashes, zinc scrap and other zinc-containing materials.

Rezinal nv is among the world leaders in zinc recycling. With our high-performance production process we produce secondary zinc of the highest quality and by-products such as fine zinc ashes and hard zinc. This secondary zinc and the by-products are used in high-grade applications such as hot-dip galvanising, brass production and the production of zinc oxide.

• Information:

www.rezinal.be | info@rezinal.be

• Contact: Mr. Dieter Stulens | +32 (0)13 53 96 35 | dieter.stulens@rezinal.be

Mr. Kristiaan Deckers | +32 (0)13 53 96 34 | kristiaan.deckers@rezinal.be

INFO SESSION CIRCULAR BUILDING GENK

On Thursday, March 10, 2022, ZIB organized an information session for its members and affiliates on a topic that we believe will only grow in importance in the coming years: circular construction. The occasion was the publication last year under the wings of EGGA, entitled : Galvanized Steel - Solutions for a circular economy

Bruno Dursin and Murray Cook explained the content of this guide and focused on the strong assets that the combination of hot-dip galvanizing and steel has in terms of circularity. The session ushered in the second phase of the communication plan after a first phase of ‘working’ our target groups through social media.

At ZIB we will pull the proverbial cart, but it is very important that our members also understand why this topic is so important. Moreover, galvanizers and their suppliers must also be able to play up the arguments pro galvanized steel in their external contacts with customers, governments and clients when the topic of circular economy comes up.

INFO SESSION CIRCULAR BUILDING YOUTUBE

On Thursday, March 31, the video “Hot-dip galvanizing and sustainable construction” premiered on YouTube. In the first part, we take a closer look at the legislative framework and policy vision from Europe regarding the circular economy theme and test this vision against construction practice.

In the second part, we look at the reuse of galvanized steel/ on the basis of a number of concrete case studies, examining on the one hand the reuse of existing structures, and on the other how smart design in new buildings leads to demountable and circular steel structures.

In the third part, we focus on the aspect of CO2 reduction through making maintenance-free choices in protecting steel from rust.

And finally, at the end, we provide key conclusions.

PARTNER SINCE 2016

FIB Belgium, a family business founded in 1936, offers total solutions for galvanizing small parts (Spinning galvanizing also at high temperature) or larger parts. Services range from the study of the optimal location to the supply of the equipment. Our teams - consisting of experts with many years of experience in custom galvanizing - are particularly specialized in the thermal field, where heating solutions with low CO2 or NOX emissions are offered. Electric heating technologies are also part of our technology portfolio.

• Information:

https://www.fib-galvatech.com/en/ | info@fib.be

• Contact: Mr. René Branders | +32 475 42 47 97 | r.branders@fib.be

BENELUX TROPHY FOR HOT DIP GALVANIZING GALVANIZING 2023 - PREPARATIONS

The BTTV 2023 was launched at the beginning of November through press, social media, website and newsletters. With this competition, Zinkinfo aims, on the one hand, to show a sample of applications of hot-dip galvanizing, on the other hand, ZIB promotes the relationship with the ‘builders’ and numerous new contacts are made.

Following ZEKER ZINK, the BTTV Trophy distinguishes between the three categories:

- Functional Galvanizing:

The choice of discontinuous hot-dip galvanizing was dictated almost exclusively by the functional qualities of the thermal zinc coating. Longevity through optimal corrosion resistance and maintenance-free nature of the hot-dip galvanizing gave the deciding factor.

- Aesthetic galvanizing: In addition to functional requirements, there were also aesthetic expectations/requirements that the hot-dip galvanized steel had to meet.

- Duplex

Galvanizing + coating

In addition, across the 3 categories, the jury will award a Circular Construction prize for a project in which the principles of circular construction were applied as consistently as possible.

The deadline for entries is 31/01/2023

Be sure to send us the names of your projects so that they can be included in the list!

PARTNER SINDS 2016

- Improved paint adhesion, excellent corrosion protection

- Surpasses the market standard in chromium (VI) free chemistry

- Full service chemical supplier

AD Chemicals, part of AD International, has been developing, manufacturing and supplying a wide range of products for the chemical surface treatment of metals for over 40 years. These products can be used in various process applications. Chemical pre-treatment is an essential step in the powder coating, wet painting and anodising process, among others. AD Chemicals has product lines for the substrates aluminium, galvanized steel, steel and multi-metal.

Chemical pre-treatments must meet complex and critical requirements and are often specifically tailored to the end product and associated substrate. For this reason, AD Chemicals has intensive partnerships with its customers. They can rely on high-quality technical advice and extensive testing and development facilities.

With more than 15 years of experience in chromium (VI) free chemistry, AD Chemicals is a trendsetter in the market. Extensive practical testing and a continuous focus on process improvement have created robust pre-treatment systems that are a formidable competitor to processes containing chromium (VI). The corrosion resistance and adhesion properties of the paint system are comparable on a 1:1 basis with chromate-containing systems.

Quality is a common driver for AD and its customers. AD Chemicals products therefore meet or exceed current market standards such as Qualicoat, Qualisteelcoat, GSB, Qualanod and MIL. AD is a partner who thinks along and adds value to your processes.

• Information: www.adinternationalbv.com | contact@adinternationalbv.com

• Contact: Mr. Roland van Meer | +31 167 526971 | r.vanmeer@adinternationalbv.com

ZEKER ZINK INFO SESSIONS

At the request of Seco, specialists in risk standardization and quality control for all types of structures and buildings, Hans Boender gave a technical information session at their Brussels office on September 28.

Twelve interested engineers followed the presentation which was divided into the following topics chosen by them:

- Short intro for juniors with some videos

- Inspection criteria, good/bad + why then + open discussion

- Changes to the new standard as fodder for our NACE experts

- Brief allusion to what plays into circularity of galvanized steel

The information session ended up lasting three hours because of the numerous questions that were asked. Smulders, a steel construction company from Arendonk, and Cepezed, a Dutch architectural firm, also asked to organize an information session, with or without a visit to a galvanization plant. These will be scheduled in the agenda as soon as possible.

Do you know a steel fabricator, architectural and/or engineering firm that would like an info session on hotdip galvanizing? Be sure to let us know and we will contact them!

TECHNOLOGY & KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER

ENGINEERING COMMITTEE

This committee includes all colleagues concerned with engineering, safety and the environment. Two meetings were held in 2022.

The following items were discussed during the Jan. 20 online meeting:

- Presentation on Virtual Reality by Marjo Nieuwenhuijse

- Zinkinfo App

- Plan of approach ZIB 2025

- Safety on the workplace

- BREF

- Conductor rails Rijkswaterstaat

- MJA-3

- Code of practice Powder and wet coating of galvanized substrates

- EN ISO 1461

- NEN 5254

- Publication Hot-dip galvanized steel facades

- Technical data sheets and product info sheets

- Rebar and reinforcing steel favorable for precast concrete parts

- Lead content in the zinc bath

- Flux as a hazardous substance in the Seveso Directive

- Greenhouse construction and damage to duplex

columns

- Declaration of conformity/manufacturer’s declaration

Fortunately, another physical meeting was able to be held on September 27. The following items were discussed here:

- Status of Workplace Safety: the Technical Committee has formed a working group to develop a proposal for reducing the safety risks present at our production sites. Currently, the question to members is open about completing the RIE ZIB 2022 management table. Colleagues from Germany are also going to fill out the list. Together with everyone else, we arrive at a decent cross-section of galvanizing companies

- Status of EN ISO 1461

- MJA-3

- Special clothing for zinc bath employees

- Wind curtain

- Latest news on gas crisis

- Heat resistant scannable labels

- Factory declaration

- Code of practice Powder and wet paint on galvanized substrates

- Technical Data Sheets

Helpdesk

Also this year we recorded the questions as best we could. On the one hand because of the contacts we can establish and on the other hand to know where gaps can still be found with regard to information provision. After all, knowledge transfer is the main goal of this exercise. Because the program in which we do the registrations crashed and was not recoverable, a number of questions and questioners were lost. We therefore estimate that about 180 questions were asked to which we answered, as much as possible in writing. This number is significantly less than the 290 from previous years but is probably explainable.

After all, during the course of this year we added the FAQ, frequently asked questions, to the website which suddenly caused the number of helpdesk questions to drop. A pity on the one hand because now we don’t really know what issues there are and we also miss out on the registration of contacts. Next year we want to make a step with the website and perhaps only allow access to the FAQs after registration by name/company name/email address. This year the question about placement of galvanized steel in the soil was a more frequent phenomenon. For this reason, we have compiled a Technical Info Sheet on this subject.

THE KEY QUESTIONS ARE ABOUT:

THE MAIN QUESTIONERS ARE:

ADMINISTRATION

Accountancy

Zinkinfo does the daily bookkeeping itself through Asperion - Online bookkeeping: invoicing, booking purchase invoices, checking bank statements, making payment batches. Accountancy firm De Vries & Nell takes care of the payroll administration, VAT declarations and prepares the interim annual statements.

Database:

Zinkinfo maintains a database in Excel of all the contacts it comes into contact with: helpdesk, BTTV, examinations & inspections, trade fairs, meetings, project visits, etc. By the end of 2021, the database will contain over 4,500 unique contacts. It goes without saying that this is a particularly important tool for ZIB in strengthening its network.

Varia

The general administration is also managed by Zinkinfo: genda management, mail traffic, organisation of meetings of ZIB working groups, sending out documentation, archives,

Website

On the Zinkinfo website, new items are added continuously in Dutch and French, such as all kinds of news items, press releases, calendar, ZEKER ZINK magazine, ...

Every month the statistics of the website are tracked via Google Analytics and Leadinfo. The graph below shows the website visits by region in 2022 The visitor numbers in 2022 are similar to the 2021 figures. Remarkably, visits from countries outside the Benelux have increased.

In 2022, a new page on the website was added with FAQs that will be updated on a regular basis with questions regularly asked through the Help Desk.

The graphs that follow show the number of visits in 2022, the number of visits per country and the percentage of visits per page.

PARTNER SINDS 2017

GIMECO is an Italian family company that has been designing, building, installing and renovating hotdip galvanised installations since 1976. The foundation on which we build the future of our company and that of our successful customers is innovation. We have a habit of listening to our partners in detail and together coming up with the perfect solution that far exceeds initial expectations. In 45 years of experience, we have acquired a global know-how of the entire galvanisation process, having implemented more than 125 complete lines in over 40 countries.

ENGINEERING - CONFIGURATION - INSTALLATION

- Batch galvanising plants (steel constructions, poles, crash barriers, transmission masts, etc.)

- Automatic Tube Galvanising Plant

- Automatic centrifugal galvanizing plants (small parts, fittings, chains, bolts and nuts)

SERVICE

- Boiler management and inspection (boiler inspection device, pumping in and out, boiler replacement, furnace control)

- Rack and pinion station with variable heights and hoists

- Furnace technology (traditional to high speed, dual chamber system)

- Automation, software (Zephir, HerMes) and logistics

- Chemicals - Renovation

- Energy policy

- Technical Assistance

GIMECO has two Business Units, ZINCO SERVICE (ZS) dedicated to providing exclusive boiler management services and CO.T.IMP.I. (Switzerland) specialising in the galvanisation, finishing and testing of pipes.

In addition to a network of agents, the international group includes:

GIMECO USA (United States) fully operational branch dedicated to the North American market ZINCO TECHNOLOGIES (Canada) special branch dedicated to boiler management RECYCLEAN SYSTEM (Sweden) supplier of special innovative chemicals for the galvanising process

Member of: AGA, EGGA, AIZ, HDGASA, ACSZ, ATEG, ILZDA, GALVAZINC, JGA, INDUSTRIEVERBAND FEUERVERZINKEN, GALVANIZER ASSOCIATION.

• Information: www.gimeco.com | sales@gimeco.it

• Contact: Mr. Johan Jongeneel | +31 6 5433 1796 | johanj@gimeco.it

PARTNER SINCE 2019

HaTwee is a provider of a full range of powder coatings, especially tailored to industrial and architectural applications for both indoor and outdoor exposure. Coatings for single and double layer systems on galvanized and non-galvanized steel are the specialty of HaTwee.

In addition to a wide choice of more than 400 standard stock products, they also offer solutions for customer-specific applications. The product quality is attuned to the customer’s needs and HaTwee actively thinks along with the application and process optimization. HaTwee also takes care of smaller customised work for its customers.

• Information: www.hatwee.be | info@hatwee.be

• Contact: Mr. Hans Hooyberg | +32 475 84.90.51 | hhooyberg@hatwee.be

LOBBYING

EGGA

MELOPEE WINNER OF THE GLOBAL GALVANIZING AWARDS

The winners of the Global Galvanizing Awards were announced during Intergalva in Rome. These awards recognize the innovative use of hot-dip galvanized steel by architects, engineers and steel fabricators and are presented in conjunction with the galvanizing industry’s global forum - Intergalva.

Zinkinfo is immensely proud to announce to you that the jury, chaired by Prof. Raffaele Landolfo (Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture University of Naples), has awarded the Architectural Award to a project from the Benelux, submitted by Zinkinfo, namely Melopee in Ghent.

The city building Melopee, on the Oude Dokken in Ghent, refers to the Antwerp poet Paul van Ostaijen’s poem of the same name. A striking feature of Melopee is its green outdoor room: a grid of galvanized steel where lush greenery will soon find its way. The word itself also means “sound poem” and is in keeping with elementary school musical pedagogy.

EGGA MARKETING & BOARD

6 april Rome

There is still progress in the market research for the use of hot-dip galvanized rebar. A number of existing projects have been detected and these are being further reviewed and investigated. Sustainability was also an important topic. The subject of CO2 (carbon footprint) also came up in the discussion. This will be included from EGGA in the working group for the revision of the SPD. Germany is sailing a bit of its own course by also working with a working group on this topic. Murray mentioned the importance of experts to formulate the right conclusions. The example so familiar to us of Gramsbergen’s reused stand also came up again.

Regarding reuse, it is necessary to adapt the designs to make re-use possible. A first concept in cooperation with SCI was drawn up to convince architects and structural engineers. One piece of bad news from England was that the railroads there are increasingly using weather-resistant (known to us as Corten) steel. According to Murray, the presence of copper in this steel is a problem because the use of copper needs to be reduced. Developments in this area are being monitored.

24 november Madrid

Sustainability: policy and communication

Update on EU policies relevant to hot-dip galvanized steel products - Construction Products

Regulation / Ecodesign for sustainable products / Taxonomy / Other

National updates on communication activities. Data generation - EGGA SPD and PCR Update. Future planning - Actions for the Sustainability

Communication Working Group

Competition with other materials

ZM steel

Weather resistant steel

The reports and presentations of the June and November meetings can be found on extranet.egga.com

EGGA TECHNICAL & RESEARCH

EGGA ENVIRONMENTAL & SAFETY

Because the EN1090-2 is going into revision and high strength steel is becoming part of it, it means that we have to ask what the risks are regarding galvanizing. Discussions on this have already started in 2011/2012 but there is now much more work on it. There are 2 main questions here:

1. Is there a greater chance of Cracking?

2. And what is the effect of process heat on the properties of the steel?

The results of the discussions and possible practical situations will have to be taken into account in the renewal of the ISO 14713-2. Studies of properties of Hardox and Domex steels showed that they gave no loss of mechanical properties when heated and cooled.

EGGA will seek a consultant on steelmaking to be further informed. There is no expert in this field in EGGA’s network. The re-use of galvanized steel was also discussed and this will be taken up within the working group. One way of doing this is to draw up a protocol for inspecting the usability of galvanized steel after its first use.

If you would like any information on the planning of standards for this half year, we can send you the Excel sheet on request.

The BREF came up briefly and the discussion of fossil-free energy sources. In time we will have to deal with it. Some aspects of the BREF involve “fine-tuning.” Expect the BAT conclusions to be implemented in the 4th quarter of 2022. If you are going to build new, keep in mind that the new BAT will apply then. For existing installations it is also

important to realize that from the introduction conformity may be required by the competent authority. By 2026 at the latest, the rules will also apply to existing installations.

With regard to lead and the permitted amount, there is not really anything to report other than that there are question marks about putting solid lead and lead powder under the same denominator and about how serious the exposure to them is. I gathered from an IZA consultation that in the meantime, instead of the (M-) factor of 1000, the factor of 100 would apply. The goal is that there will be no distinction between the various metals now under scrutiny and that a postponement is desired until 2023 when info on Copper and Silver becomes known.

Seveso and Zinc ammonium chloride

This discussion was initiated by Italy and it appears that it concerned 1 company. Meanwhile, no more inquiries are coming in to this company which also fell below the thresholds due to lower production. The company mentioned in their statement the number 0.99 instead of the requirement of maximum 1; it is therefore below it. Jelle informed the meeting that there may well be locations that end up above the volumes mentioned in the Seveso. So it may well be that the fire is rekindled elsewhere.

The reports and presentations of the June and November meetings can be found on extranet.egga.com

PARTNER SINDS 2019

MEFIAG Filters & Pumps has been producing filters and pumps for the galvanising industry since 1953. What started as a small factory in Loosdrecht has grown into a fully-fledged production company in Heerenveen, the Netherlands, with assembly facilities in China and America. MEFIAG is now recognised by leading companies in more than 50 countries as the supplier of filters and pumps.

MEFIAG is a manufacturer of plastic, stainless steel and steel-clad filters. Our products are mainly used in the galvanising and anodising industry (e.g. automotive, construction, sanitary fittings and furniture) and are increasingly finding their way into the PCB (printed circuit board) and chemical industries.

A long service life and high quality are our standard. In order to guarantee this, we choose the optimum housing diameter between thermoplastic or steel rubber housings. Throughout the years, MEFIAG has innovated in the areas of user-friendliness and safety.

For example, filters are often supplemented by an inlet tank. This is particularly practical for adding a filter aid, active carbon treatment or for pumping out the filter housing. The exchange package has also made its appearance. This enables short downtimes during cleaning and reduces the chance of errors under time pressure.

Our standard filter systems are in most cases an optimal solution for the filtration of your processes, are the end result of years of development and offer you the highest quality at a competitive price. MEFIAG has a controllable production process and a balanced stock management. Matters that offer long-term stability for both you and MEFIAG; a MEFIAG filter system that is 25 years old is the rule rather than the exception! In 10 or 15 years, you want to be sure that the parts for your filter pumps will still be available.

In addition, we do not want to lose sight of your specific requirements. Our engineers will be happy to work with you and design a tailor-made solution.

• Information: www.mefiag.com

• Contact: Mr. Fred Jan Weggen | +31 513 630 230 | fweggen@OneCECO.com

EGGA ANNUAL STATISTICAL REPORT

The EGGA Annual Statistical Report 2021 contains information on 24 European countries. This information is collected for EGGA by the national associations.

Benelux share of European production in 2021

PARTNER SINDS 2019

Flaurea Chemicals has held a patent since 1921 and has developed flux salts for hot-dip galvanising that provide effective protection against corrosion. Following the closure of Floridienne Chimie in 2014, Flaurea Chemicals has resumed production of flux salts (Florflux), zinc chloride and cadmium salts.

Flaurea Chemicals offers its customers both its know-how and a wide range of products, ranging from ammoniacal zinc chloride (basic double salt) and a wide range of special fluxes (Florflux®) to zinc chloride adapted to each specific need or process.

Hot-dip galvanising is an industrial process with a bright future ahead of it. In the building sector, it significantly extends the life of metal structures and simplifies their maintenance. For urban and agricultural furniture and certain automotive parts, hot-dip galvanising remains one of the most effective and economical ways of combating corrosion.

- Flaurea Chemicals offers its customers regular flux bath analysis and provides a high level of technical advice.

- Flaurea Chemicals is an important player in the circular economy and has adapted its production processes in such a way that used dezincification baths are not destroyed or thrown away at the end of their life but are instead used as raw materials. They are one of the few flux and zinc chloride producers in Europe that recycle de-zincing baths.

Packaging

- Flux salts in powder form are available in 25 kg bags.

- Liquid fluxes are available in IBCs or tankers.

- Zinc chloride powder in 25k bags and liquid in several concentrations in bulk or IBC. Flaurea Chemicals actively participates in international studies on the development of new processes with zinc alloys.

• Information: www.flaureachemicals.com

• Contact: Mr. Christophe Laubignat | +33787143378 | Christophe.Laubignat@flaureachemicals.com

Branch organisation membership in 2020-2021

INTERGALVA IN THE BENELUX 9-14 JUNE 2024

Intergalva - background

The Intergalva series of international conferences has usually been held every three years since 1950. Intergalva 2024 will be the 27th International Conference. An important feature of recent events is the greater relative importance of the trade fair held alongside the conference. Intergalva was last held in the Netherlands in June 2003 at RAI Amsterdam.

Recommended location and dates for Intergalva

2024

EGGA and ZIB have previously agreed that it is desirable to return to the “pre-COVID” planned dates of June 2024 - i.e., the postponement of Intergalva 2021 to 2022 will not affect the planning of Intergalva 2024 - which on this occasion means a two-year cycle.

The proposed specific dates of June 9-14, 2024 are based on three factors:

- Availability of the BMCC venue.

- Later dates coincide with greater tourist activity in Bruges

- Avoidance of some European national holidays in early June

EGGA and ZIB reviewed 22 options, including 5 site visits.

After careful review against EGGA’s selection criteria, there is a clear recommendation for BMCC Brugge (Bruges Exhibition, Meeting and Congress Center). The main advantages over other options are:

- 4500m2 exhibition space - at ground level with easy access for installations and equipment in one space

- Within walking distance of historic downtown with extensive bars/restaurants

- Modern facilities

- Reliable contract partner / contract terms

More info in 2023 through the usual channels!

DBM

ZIB has been a member of Stichting Duurzaam

Bouwmetaal since its inception, a foundation dedicated to defending the interests of zinc with local, regional and national governments in the Netherlands. Last year, Jules Wilhelmus stepped down as director of DBM. Martin van Leeuwen of IZA succeeded him.

Lobby

Relevant national government policies are monitored by DBM. This also applies to the input of the Dutch government in the introduction/adjustment of EU regulations. To this end, DBM was also active in relevant networks such as the Dutch shadow committee FDW in 2022.

Active lobbying activities are carried out by DBM alone or in coalition. Of course in coordination with the DBM board.

Local discouragement

Based on signals (architects, DBM members, etc.) about discouragement, DBM communicates with municipalities, water boards and provinces.

Communications

Media have long known how to find DBM when there are developments in zinc. DBM will continue to play that role. Competitors who cast zinc in a bad light can count on a decisive DBM response. Naturally, the DBM site will be kept up-to-date

Given the limited activity in 2022, the membership fee was reduced to 4,000€ per member.

PARTNER SINDS 2020

Trafigura is one of the world’s leading independent commodity trading groups and one of the largest participants in the global zinc market, with over 1.5 million tonnes of zinc concentrates and 1.4 million tonnes of refined zinc in 2019.

Trafigura’s trading activities are supported by its industrial and financial assets, including a majority stake in global multi-metals company Nyrstar, which has a market-leading position in zinc and lead. Nyrstar has mining, smelting and other operations in Europe, the Americas and Australia. Nyrstar produces zinc concentrates from its mining operations and a variety of refined zinc products, including special high grade zinc (SHG), zinc alloys and zinc cast alloys resulting from the zinc smelting process.

Combining Nyrstar’s footprint of manufacturing with Trafigura’s global marketing, logistics network and financial expertise provides significant opportunities in today’s zinc market. The two companies combine best market practice and high standards of responsibility in their respective fields, as well as reliability and responsiveness to customers.

The Trafigura Group is a privately held company with 8,000 employees working in 80 offices in 41 countries worldwide. For more than two decades, the Group has connected its customers to the world economy and increased prosperity by promoting trade.

• Information: www.trafigura.com

• Contact: Mr. Jan Philip Fiedler | +41 22 592 3734 | Janphilip.Fiedler@trafigura.com

CIRCULAR BUILDING

Construction Agreement Steel

In March 2022, representatives of all links in the Dutch steel construction chain jointly laid down and ratified their ambitions for making the use of steel in construction even more sustainable with the SConstruction Agreement Steel (BAS). To convert the collective green intentions into green deeds, a roadmap with action perspectives was made public on the Staalbouwdag 2022 on October 4. Based on this agreement, we as an industry have drawn up our own ‘Covenant to reduce CO2’, which has been signed by almost everyone.

As you know, ZIB is actively involved in the Steel Building Agreement, as a result of which texts and tables on conservation have been thoroughly adapted.

The roadmap can be found here: https://bouwakkoordstaal.nl/roadmap-voor-commentaar

PARTNER SINDS 2020

Georg Fischer N.V. is the Dutch subsidiary of the global company GF Piping Systems. We supply, among others, high quality plastic piping systems and related products for industrial applications, residential and commercial construction and water and gas distribution. We are responsible for all sales and marketing activities for the Dutch market.

Georg Fischer N.V. approaches the market by thinking in segments. Each market segment has various applications and for each application we offer product programmes. We use our accumulated knowledge and years of experience to provide you with good advice and the right products.

Complete product range of plastic pipe systems

Whatever the material (PVC-U, ABS, PVC-C, PE 100, PP-H, PB, PVDF, stainless steel, brass, copper or cast iron), we will produce it for you. Whatever the joining technique (gluing, electro fusion welding, socket welding, mirror welding, infrared welding, socket welding, clamping, pinching, threading or flanging), we have it for you. Whatever the product (pipes, fittings, valves, measuring and control systems, welding machines or tools), we will supply it. More than 70,000 different types of products from a single source!

Pipe systems on the Dutch market

As GF Nederland, we are responsible for the sale of these pipe systems on the Dutch market. We do this by thinking in terms of applications. Through our years of experience and acquired knowledge we are able to speak the “language of our customers”. We understand the problems that our customers struggle with. This enables us to offer the right solution for every application and every problem.

More than a supplier of piping systems

However, we are more than just a supplier. We don’t just offer you products for piping systems for industrial applications, residential and commercial construction and water and gas distribution. We do much more than that. Think of technical advice, training and education, prefabricated options and many other distinguishing services. That is our added value!

• Information: www.georgfischer.nl

• Contact: Mr. Koen Babonnick | +31 6 53 57 64 63 | koen.babonnick@georgfischer.com

STANDARDISATION & REGULATION

EN-ISO 1461

The new standard is in place. It is important to know that the translation is on its way. Guus and Hans have been working with a translation agency on the Dutch translation. Meanwhile, the file is with the editors of NEN. Once there is agreement with the text, it will be active in Dutch. The old version from 2009 will expire in March 2023.

Main changes to the standard

- All information related to zinc coating thickness requirements has been moved to Article 6.5 (Acceptance Criteria) to improve clarity.

- The approach to acceptance criteria for composite objects of different material thicknesses and relationship to dimensions have been made clearer.

- Clause 6.5 contains other (lower) zinc coating thickness requirements for ultra-low reactive steels [ultra-low reactive steels are steels characterized by very low silicon content].

- Extensive revisions have been made to Article 6.3 and Annex C regarding the renovation of black

spots (unzinced spots). Provides more freedom in the choice of which zinc-rich paint as well as a description of zinc flakes.

- A number of definitions have been added including “duplex system” in clause 3

- The impossibility/difficulty of removing flux residues and zinc ash when access is restricted is recognized in Article 6.1. So the phrase that flux residues are not allowed is dropped in that capacity.

- Additional requirements to avoid reference surfaces on certain small welded parts on a larger object have been added in Article 6.2.3. Consider flanges and the like. For a beam with a head and foot plate, the zinc coating thickness is measured only of the main profile and not of the flanges!

- Information on the corrosion resistance of a zinc coating has been updated, including a reference to ISO 9224 for longer-term corrosion resistance in Annex E.

NEN-5254

In May of this year, the new NEN 5254 was also published.

Unlike the previous version, it only deals with the combination of wet paint with hot-dip galvanized steel. Guus and Hans have been working on the text and Hans Bosveld of Vereniging ION has also been working on the new standard. The standard describes the agreements between the various parties. In particular, the standard makes clear to the client, galvanizer, coating preparer and applicator, where responsibilities lie

in addition to the agreements.

In terms of text, the new NEN 5254 is in sync with the code of practice Powder and wet coating on galvanized substrates and also EN 15773.

For duplex systems with powder coating, European standard EN 15773 applies. Of particular interest is the text on coating preparation. In this, different levels of coating preparation can be distinguished.

TESTS & INSPECTIONS

The trend of declining number of inspections and tests, is also well visible in 2022. In 2022 there were only 9 inspections. In particular, this is due to the absence of two clients. We also believe that stating the amount for performing an inspection on the website prompted some companies not to use this service. After the construction period, we therefore removed this amount from the website in order to have an open communication with the inquirer. Undoubtedly, even in cases of disagreement, the publications on our website (e.g. the Technical Info Sheets) sought explanations for any discrepancies. We also referred 2 cases to Guus

The reasons for an inspection were in 2022:

55% 11% 34%

Acquisition of galvanisation work on behalf of an end user/ customer

Questions about appearance galvanisation

Duplex questionable in appearance or quality