Hindustan Zinc launches EcoZen: Asia’s first low carbon ‘green’ zinc

Hindustan Zinc Limited (BSE: 500188; NSE: HINDZINC), renowned as India’s largest and the world’s second-largest integrated zinc producer, has launched EcoZen, its pioneering low carbon ‘green’ zinc brand. This groundbreaking product, now available globally, positions Hindustan Zinc at the forefront of sustainable mining practices, aligning with its commitment to environmental responsibility.

EcoZen: A Leap Towards Sustainable Zinc Production

EcoZen is distinguished by its low carbon footprint, certified by a global sustainability consulting firm through a comprehensive life cycle assessment (LCA). With a carbon footprint of less than one tonne of carbon equivalent per tonne of zinc, EcoZen is manufactured using renewable energy, resulting in a carbon output about 75% lower than the global average. This remarkable reduction in emissions underscores Hindustan Zinc’s dedication to decarbonising its operations and offering a more sustainable product to its customers.

The primary use of zinc in galvanising steel to prevent corrosion makes it a vital mineral in various sectors, including steel, infrastructure, automotive, renewable energy, electronics, and electric mobility. EcoZen’s introduction reflects Hindustan Zinc’s efforts to support industries in adopting more sustainable practices, promising a total carbon emission avoidance of approximately 400 kilograms per tonne of steel galvanised with EcoZen.

Setting New Standards in Sustainability

The launch of EcoZen is not just a product innovation but a strategic milestone in Hindustan Zinc’s journey towards becoming Net Zero by 2050. The product’s brand name, EcoZen, signifies its eco-sensitive nature and superior quality, making it a standout in the market with one of the lowest global warming potential (GWP) values available.

Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Chairperson of Hindustan Zinc and Non-Executive Director at Vedanta Group, highlighted that sustainability is central to the company’s strategy. She noted that the recognition from S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment reinforces Hindustan Zinc’s commitment to building a sustainable future. The launch of EcoZen, she stated, represents a significant step towards achieving Net Zero targets and setting global benchmarks in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.

Historic Milestone and Market Impact

Arun Misra, CEO of Hindustan Zinc Limited, expressed pride in EcoZen’s launch as a historic milestone in their decarbonisation efforts. He emphasized that EcoZen caters to environmentally conscious customers who prioritize the origin of their raw materials and seek to reduce their supply chain’s carbon footprint. This product, with its minimal carbon footprint, is expected to play a crucial role in protecting infrastructure and advancing technologies for a low-carbon transition.

In alignment with its Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) targets, Hindustan Zinc is actively working to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030. The company is increasing its renewable energy use, recently starting to receive round-the-clock renewable energy as part of a 450 MW power delivery agreement, in addition to its existing 40.7 MW of solar power. These efforts have contributed to a 14% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity in FY24 compared to 2020.

Global Reach and Quality Assurance

Hindustan Zinc’s EcoZen exemplifies the company’s focus on product innovation and quality. The company’s extensive zinc product portfolio is supported by a ‘customer-first’ approach, catering to over 40 countries across Europe, South America, Oceania, and the Middle East. EcoZen, along with Hindustan Zinc’s other zinc offerings, has achieved Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) verification, providing transparent data on environmental impacts, and holds ISO, BIS, and REACH quality certifications.

Hindustan Zinc, part of the Vedanta Group, stands as a global leader in the metals and mining industry. As the world’s second-largest zinc producer and the third-largest silver producer, the company holds a 75% market share of primary zinc in India and is committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. Its leadership in sustainable practices and critical metals production is pivotal to advancing global energy transitions and fostering a sustainable future.