L'interview de Mik Gilles, à la direction des affaires européennes de l'IZA
#Partenaires
23/11/2016
L'Association Internationale du Zinc (IZA) est une organisation à but non lucratif qui représente l'industrie du zinc au niveau mondial. Depuis le siège de Bruxelles, Mik Gilles a répondu à nos questions :
1 - Après 25 ans d’existence, les missions d’IZA sont–elles toujours les mêmes, au regard d’un contexte économique et géopolitique fluctuant ?
Créée il y a 25 ans par 18 compagnies de zinc, l’association IZA avait à l’origine pour mission de développer et de protéger les marchés globaux du zinc. Vous me demandez quelles sont les évolutions constatées depuis ces 25 années passées. Je vais vous répondre en 3 temps. D’abord, l’industrie du zinc s’est consolidée, avec une régulation environnementale plus importante qui requiert une approche scientifique éprouvée et une communication avec les autorités de régulation. En résulte une obligation grandissante pour les sociétés d’avoir un « permis d’opérer ». Ensuite, on observe plus de concurrence du zinc, comme l’aluminium dans les châssis automobiles. Il y a donc une nécessité de développer et d’étendre les nouveaux usages du zinc, de même que d’informer sur les produits, d’éduquer et de réaliser les transferts de technologie dans les marchés émergents. Par ailleurs, on constate une diminution des ressources dédiées à la recherche produit et au développement de nouveaux marchés chez les sociétés membres. En parallèle, il y a une demande croissante pour que les concepteurs et ingénieurs en charge de déterminer les types de matériaux à privilégier pour un projet spécifique développent des solutions écologiques, afin que l’empreinte environnementale du zinc soit moindre. Bref, c’est une responsabilité sociale qu’il nous faut aujourd’hui assumer.
Sur ces 25 années passées, IZA a été reconnue comme l’unique voix capable de défendre l’industrie du zinc avec une vision forte et partagée, selon laquelle le zinc se positionne comme un élément essentiel et éco-friendly de la vie moderne. Le rôle d’IZA a donc évolué à travers les années, mais la vision et la mission originelles restent les mêmes, afin de s’assurer que l’industrie du zinc préserve ce « permis d’opérer », et de protéger et faire grandir les marchés du zinc.
2 - Combien de personnes travaillent-elles pour IZA ?
IZA compte 20 collaborateurs qui se partagent entre les sièges de Bruxelles et des Etats-Unis, et 5 petits bureaux satellites en Chine, Amérique du Sud, Afrique du Sud et Russie.
3 - Quel est votre rôle au sein d’IZA ?
Dans nos bureaux de Bruxelles, la plupart de mes collègues sont toxicologues ou biologistes et possèdent des connaissances limitées sur les produits et processus. C’est donc moi qui traite l’ensemble des problématiques liées aux processus industriels, aux techniques de réduction des émissions, au développement durable, à l’évaluation du cycle de vie, ainsi qu’au développement du marché de la fonderie sous pression du zinc en Europe.
Les actions de développement des marchés sont mondiales et organisées depuis notre bureau américain basé à Raleigh, en Caroline du Nord.
4 - Pouvez-vous nous dire quelles sont les perspectives de développement de l’association ?
Environnement et Santé :
IZA maintient un programme de base sur les problématiques qui concerne le zinc face à l’environnement et à la santé. La primauté du programme réside dans le fait de fournir un cadre de travail global et régional pour relever les défis de régulation des usages du zinc et coordonner les réponses de l’industrie. IZA produit et communique les informations cruciales nécessaires aux agences de régulation afin qu’elles puissent basées leurs décisions sur une rigueur scientifique et transparente.
Les programmes d’environnement et de développement durable font partie intégrante du futur de l’industrie du zinc. A travers l’initiative « Le Zinc pour la Vie », les programmes de recyclage et encore bien d’autres activités, IZA continue de développer et d’actualiser ses informations sur les aspects environnementaux du zinc et des produits conçus à base de zinc, et de les communiquer aux principales parties-prenantes du marché.
Les accords avec les autorités de régulations de l’Environnement, Santé, et Sécurité sont obligatoires pour maintenir ce permis d’opérer dans l’industrie du zinc, et aussi pour préserver un accès au marché pour les produits en zinc. Les activités de monitoring et de recherche sont essentielles comme une fonction de « premier avertissement » concernant des problématiques à venir, ce qui arrive assez souvent. Le dialogue ouvert d’IZA avec les agences de régulation est aussi important pour atteindre des résultats visibles.
L’IZA a lancé l’initiative Zinc for Life afin de quantifier les informations relatives à la durabilité du zinc, et de souligner les contributions du zinc envers une société durable.
Carences en zinc
Les carences en zinc représentent un problème de santé mondial qui affecte 30% de la population dans le monde. Ces carences proviennent d’une alimentation pauvre en zinc, qui affecte les populations d’Asie du Sud-Est, d’Afrique et d’Amérique Latine. Chez les jeunes enfants, un manque de zinc affaiblit leur système immunitaire et les rend vulnérables à des troubles tels que la diarrhée, la pneumonie et le paludisme. D’autre part, une carence en zinc est également imputable au manque de développement physique et intellectuel, ce qui se traduit chez les enfants par l’impossibilité d’atteindre leur plein potentiel intellectuel. À travers l’association IZA, l’industrie du zinc a lancé l’initiative Zinc Saves Kids (le zinc sauve les enfants) en soutien du programme mondial de supplémentation en oligoélément de l’UNICEF dont l’objectif est de remédier aux carences en zinc chez les enfants à risque.
Par ailleurs, une carence en zinc dans les récoltes mène à une baisse du rendement et de la qualité nutritive des produits agricoles. L’industrie du zinc s’est engagée à réduire les carences en zinc dans les sols, les récoltes et les populations humaines. À cette fin, elle a lancé l’Initiative Zinc Nutrient, composée d’un programme mené sur plusieurs années visant à augmenter la productivité agricole et la qualité nutritionnelle des récoltes en promouvant les engrais contenant du zinc, afin de contribuer à la sécurité alimentaire et à combattre la malnutrition chez les être humains. La forte croissance de ce marché offre aux membres de l’IZA une plateforme très solide sur laquelle ils peuvent s’appuyer pour élaborer des stratégies commerciales durables sur le marché de l’agriculture mondiale et apporter une réelle contribution à la sécurité alimentaire et nutritionnelle.
Développer le marché de la galvanisation
Les galvaniseurs généralistes et les utilisateurs de zinc de premier niveau apprécient la capacité de l’IZA à réunir les ressources, les capacités de recherche et l’expertise des acteurs internationaux de l’industrie du zinc afin de mettre sur pied des réglementations environnementales basées sur des données scientifiques solides.
Les barres d’armature galvanisées constituent un nouveau débouché prometteur pour le zinc. Dans les pays en développement, les initiatives généralistes de l’IZA en matière de galvanisation sont axées sur la promotion des avantages du zinc contre la corrosion et dans d’autres applications, et l’explication de ces avantages aux décisionnaires clés.
Le partenariat GAP (Galvanized Autobody Partnership) de l’IZA est une association d’entreprises spécialisées dans le zinc, l’acier et l’automobile. Elle vise à maintenir et développer l’utilisation de l’acier dans le secteur automobile grâce à des innovations techniques portant sur les aciers avancés haute résistance et la compatibilité de ces aciers en pleine évolution avec la galvanisation.
Pour développer la protection anticorrosion par projection thermique de zinc, l’IZA cible les applications maritimes comme les éoliennes et les paquebots de croisière.
5 - Quel est son business model ?
IZA dirige divers projets à fort impact dans le développement de marchés, l’environnement et le développement durable, ainsi que la communication. La clé du succès de ces programmes est la pertinence pour les clients et les utilisateurs. IZA a développé nombres de partenariats avec des aciéries, des galvaniseurs généralistes, des producteurs d’alliages et des fondeurs, des producteurs de tôles de zinc laminées, des producteurs d’oxyde et d’engrais pour les aider à capitaliser sur des opportunités de croissance et à défendre leurs marchés actuels.
Les programmes de développement durable de l’IZA ont également joué un rôle clé pour l’industrie de zinc et les clients et utilisateurs finaux de ce métal. Les initiatives Zinc Saves Kids et Zinc Nutrient ont sensibilisé le public à l’intérêt du zinc et renforcé l’engagement de l’industrie en faveur de diverses initiatives sociales.
La collaboration avec les clients de nos membres ne permet pas seulement de partager les coûts : leurs commentaires facilitent la hiérarchisation de nos programmes et l’adoption de leurs résultats sur le marché. Cette attention portée à la chaîne de valeur a permis à l’IZA de proposer des résultats remarquables, pour un investissement relativement modeste de ses producteurs. En fait, les clients et autres partenaires de l’IZA contribuent à hauteur de 55 % des fonds gérés par l’IZA.
Ces partenariats n’auraient jamais vu le jour si l’IZA n’avait pas la réputation de gérer efficacement des programmes pertinents par le biais d’un personnel très compétent. Nos collaborateurs maîtrisent leur domaine sur le bout des doigts et font preuve d’une énergie rare. Nous sommes très heureux de les compter dans nos rangs.
L’IZA a tout mis en œuvre pour être aussi efficace que possible. Tous les projets disposent d’indicateurs de performance clés (IPC) visant à mesurer les paramètres opérationnels et financiers. L’exploitation d’opportunités de revenus supplémentaires continue d’être une priorité. L’IZA organisera la première Conférence européenne annuelle sur le zinc en 2017. L’IZA devient peu à peu le porte-parole international de l’industrie.
6 - Que pensez-vous du Zamak ?
Le programme de développement d’IZA pour la fonderie sous pression a 2 buts principaux. De prime abord, il s’agit de contribuer efficacement à faire évoluer la perception du Zamak chez l’ensemble des acteurs et faiseurs du marché : concepteurs, bureaux d’études et ingénieurs. Ceci signifie la nécessité de développer et de diffuser les données essentielles des alliages de zinc auprès de tous les publics concernés par leur usage et leurs propriétés mécaniques et de finition (y compris les étudiants en design et ingénierie). Ensuite, il est important de développer de nouvelles technologies (comme l’injection à paroi mince) ou bien de nouveaux alliages avec des propriétés améliorées pour s’ouvrir à de nouveaux marchés ou de nouvelles applications.
IZA est une entité vitale de l’industrie de la fonderie sous pression de Zamak. L’association conduit la recherche et les partenariats avec des sociétés qui font la promotion des alliages de zinc dans leur capacité à mouler des parois ultrafines et à améliorer la résistance au fluage. Grâce aux efforts menés par IZA, des entreprises de fonderie sous pression du monde entier découvrent qu’elles peuvent concurrencer d’autres matériaux et processus, notamment la fonderie de l’aluminium et du magnésium, les plastiques et les métaux frittés.
7 - Quelle est, selon vous, l’attitude des bureaux d’études face aux alliages de zinc ?
Une étude américaine récente a révélé des informations intéressantes sur le potentiel de croissance des applications en Zamak. Clairement, il apparaît que les alliages de zinc manquent encore de visibilité, ce qui ralentit indéniablement le développement de ce marché. Cependant, les concepteurs qui ont découvert le Zamak le considèrent comme le matériau le plus prometteur pour la croissance, avec une perspective bien meilleure que d’autres matériaux et process comme l’aluminium et le magnésium coulés sous pression, les plastiques ou encore les métaux frittés.
Voici des applications où le Zamak plus que jamais va être utilisé :
- Instruments, laboratoires et équipements photos
- Aviation, aérospatiale, armée
- Equipements électroniques
- Equipements médicaux, dentaires et de protection
- Outils
- Pompes et compresseurs
- Production d’énergie alternative
- Robotique
IZA va prendre de nouvelles dispositions pour accroître la visibilité des alliages de zinc. Aujourd'hui, les bases de données des propriétés des matériaux ne contiennent presque aucune information sur ces alliages. Pourtant, des ingénieurs et concepteurs du monde entier s’appuient sur ces bases de données afin de choisir le meilleur matériau pour leurs pièces. Ils y puisent des informations portant à la fois sur les propriétés d’ingénierie des matériaux et des facteurs économiques. Notre première action sera donc d’ajouter nos données à ces bases.
8 - Comment voyez-vous le futur du Zamak ?
La combinaison unique des propriétés mécaniques, des différentes options de revêtement de surface, et des caractéristiques de fonderie telle que la haute précision dimensionnelle pour des pièces minces et/ou complexes continuera de faire des pièces moulées en zinc l’option de choix pour de nombreuses applications. La poursuite des améliorations apportées aux machines de fonderie sous pression à chambre chaude, le développement d’outils de haut niveau permettant la simulation de coulée et la mise au point de nouveaux alliages ne feront qu’améliorer encore la mise au point. Grâce à tous ces atouts, l’IZA est convaincue qu’il existe une marge de croissance sur le marché européen.
Mik Gilles: Director ICdA, Manager European Affairs IZA
The Association’s goal is to deliver value to its members through innovative programs in its strategic focus areas of Environment and Sustainable Development, Technology and Market Development and Communications. From Brussels, Mik Gilles responds to our questions:
1 - The association has been created 25 years ago. Do the missions of IZA are still the same, despite the economical & geopolitical context?
25 years ago IZA was formed by 18 zinc companies with the mission to grow and protect the global markets for zinc. What evolution have we seen in the past 25 years? A more consolidated Zinc Industry. More environmental regulation requiring sound science and communication with key regulatory authorities and thus a growing requirement that companies need a “license to operate”.
More competition to zinc products such as aluminium in auto bodies.
- A need to develop and expand new uses for zinc.
- The need for more product information, education and technology transfer in emerging markets.
- Less product research and market development resources in Member companies.
- More demand for proper sustainability assessments of zinc’s environmental footprint for key designers and specifiers.
- A need to assume social responsibility.
These are all just to name a few. Over the past 25 years IZA became recognized as the sole global voice and advocate for the zinc industry with a strong and shared vision where “zinc is recognized as sustainable and essential for modern life”.
The role of IZA has evolved over the years but the basic vision and mission remain the same— to ensure the zinc industry has a “license to operate” and to sustainably grow and protect zinc markets.
2 - How many people are working for IZA?
IZA has a staff of 20 people split over its main offices in Brussels and the US, and 5 small satellite offices in China, South America, India, South Africa and Russia (ZDC).
3 – What is your position inside the association?
In the Brussels office, most of my colleagues are toxicologist or biologists with limited knowledge on processes and products. Therefor I address all issues related to industrial processes and emission abatement techniques, sustainability, life cycle assessment as well as market development support for zinc die-casting in Europe. IZA’s market development actions are worldwide organized from our US office in Raleigh, North Carolina.
4 – Could you tell us what are the prospects for the future of IZA?
Environment and Health:
IZA maintains a core program on zinc-related environment and health issues. The primary focus of this program is to provide a global and regional framework to assess regulatory challenges to zinc use and to coordinate industry responses. IZA produces and communicates the critical information needed for the regulatory agencies to base their decisions on sound science.
Environment and sustainability programs are integral to the future of the zinc industry.
Through the Zinc for Life initiative, recycling programs and other activities, IZA continues to develop and update information on the sustainability aspects of zinc and zinc products and communicates this information to the key markets and stakeholders.
Compliance with Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) regulations is mandatory to maintaining the zinc industry’s license to operate, and also to retain market access for zinc products. The monitoring and research activities of IZA are critical as an “early warning” function concerning new upcoming issues, which happens quite often. IZA’s ongoing dialog with regulatory agencies is also important in achieving sensible outcomes.
Two main issues in this context in Europe are REACH, which is the European chemicals management policy, and the Water Framework Directive.
In REACH, IZA functions as the secretariat for the Zinc Consortium, which includes almost 100 companies producing or importing zinc, zinc compounds and zinc containing intermediates. IZA drafted the files that allowed successful registration of these substances, and continues to keep the files updated.
In the Water Framework Directive, zinc was shortlisted for the Priority Substances List, which would have stigmatized zinc as a substance with widespread risks for EU waters, possibly with dire consequences for the use of zinc products. Thanks to intense technical and advocacy work by IZA, zinc was not prioritized in the first update of the Priority Substances List, and it looks like it will also not be prioritized in the second update.
IZA regulatory programs will remain very important in the future, as the pressure of EHS regulations is expected to increase.
Zinc deficiency:
Zinc deficiency is a major global health problem affecting 30% of the world’s population. It is mainly related to an inadequate intake of zinc through the diet, affecting especially people in countries across South-East Asia, Africa and Latin America. Young children are most impacted due to the adverse effect of zinc deficiency on their immune system, growth and brain development. IZA has successfully advocated for programs aimed at addressing zinc deficiency. From its early support for the International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group (IZiNCG); to its Zinc Saves Kids initiative in support of UNICEF in Nepal and Peru; and partnerships with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and collaboration with the Mining Compact for Child Health in support of the UN’s Every Woman, Every Child campaign. IZA member companies have also engaged in similar initiatives as part of their corporate social responsibility programs. The most recent engagement is a partnership with UNICEF in Mexico.
The Zinc Nutrient Initiative (ZNI) was launched to address zinc deficiency in crops and humans by adding zinc-fortified fertilizers to soils. Adding zinc to soils significantly increases crop yield, boosts zinc nutritional value in humans and improves farmer incomes. ZNI works closely with companies, governments and NGOs to address policy issues and to promote the benefits of zinc fertilizers to the farming community. Zinc in fertilizers now accounts for 2% of the world market for zinc consumption and one analyst predicts this market will reach 400,000 tonnes per annum by 2018.
It has been realized that despite strong growth of NPK fertilizers, many soils have become ‘mined’ of essential micronutrients, particularly zinc. This has led to reduced yield responses to N-based fertilizers as well as lower levels in food crops causing extensive human and animal health problems.
These effects have become particularly pronounced in Asia-Pacific, South America, and Sub-Saharan Africa, with WHO placing zinc deficiency fifth, two places above vitamin A deficiency, in their ranking of global risks.
IZA’s Zinc Nutrient Initiative has been at the fore-front of increasing awareness and use of zinc enriched fertilizers to address zinc deficiency affecting soils, crops, human and animal health globally.
The strong market growth in zinc fertilizers has created a very sound platform for IZA members to develop sustainable business strategies within global agriculture and to make a profound contribution to both food—and nutrition—security in future.
Market development Galvanizing:
IZA works closely with Regional Galvanizing Associations on targeted market development programs aimed at specific markets such as the use of galvanized rebar in bridge decks. In partnership with the American Galvanizers Association, a new galvanized rebar marketing group was formed in 2016 along with a new website and market brochure. Galvanized rebar is a promising new market for zinc. In developing countries, IZA’s general galvanizing initiatives have focused upon promoting and educating key decision makers about zinc’s advantages in corrosion protection and other applications. To ensure long-term sustainability of these markets, this education also involves training galvanizers on modern and efficient galvanizing.
IZA’s ability to bring the resources, research capability and expertise of the global zinc industry to deliver a sound scientific basis for environmental regulations for zinc is appreciated by general galvanizers and other first-tier zinc users worldwide.
IZA’s Galvanized Autobody Partnership (GAP) is a coalition of zinc, steel and auto companies aligned to retain and grow steel use in the auto sector through technical innovations in advanced high strength steels and ensuring these evolving steel grades can be galvanized. Automotive is an important market, consuming 600,000 tonnes of zinc in 2015. Further development of the markets in China (350,000 TPY) and India (150,000 TPY) is poised to add an additional 500,000 TPY zinc consumption to this sector.
To develop the application of corrosion protection by zinc thermal spraying, IZA is targeting offshore applications like windmills and cruise ships.
5 – What is its business model?
IZA manages a diverse range of high-impact projects in market development, environment, and sustainability and communications programs. Key to their success is the relevance to zinc customers and end-users. IZA has partnered with steel mills, general galvanizers, alloyers and diecasters, zinc sheet producers, oxide producers and fertilizer companies to help them capitalize on growth opportunities and/or to defend present markets.
IZA’s sustainability programs have also been critical to the zinc industry as well as to downstream customers and users. Zinc Saves Kids in support of UNICEF and the Zinc Nutrient Initiative have raised the awareness of zinc’s value and also reinforced the zinc industry’s commitment to initiatives that benefit society.
Working with our members’customers provides more than cost sharing benefits; their input helps prioritize IZA’s programs and ensures that results are adopted in the marketplace. This value chain focus has enabled IZA to deliver some remarkable returns on a relatively modest investment from its zinc producing members. In fact, customers and other IZA partners account for 55% of the funds under IZA management.
These partnerships would not be possible if IZA had not built a reputation of effectively and efficiently managing highly relevant programs with a very knowledgeable staff. Their expertise and energy is second to none—we are very fortunate to have them.
IZA has been focused on being as effective and efficient as possible. All projects have key performance indicators (KPI’s) to measure operational and financial parameters. Additional revenue opportunities continue to be a high priority; IZA will organize the first annual Zinc Conference in Europe in 2017. IZA continues to move towards being the global voice of the industry.
6 - What do you think about Zamak (Zinc die-casting alloy)?
IZA’s market development program for die castings has two primary goals. One is to increase awareness of zinc casting alloys at the designer, specifier and engineering levels. This entails developing and disseminating essential user property data, including mechanical and finish properties and educating design and engineering students about zinc castings and their capabilities. The second area involves the development of new technologies (such as thin wall castings) or new alloys with improved properties to open new markets and applications.
IZA is a vital part of the die casting industry. IZA leads the way in research and partnerships with companies to promote zinc die casting’s ability to cast ultra-thin wall applications and in improved creep resistance. Through IZA’s efforts, die casting companies throughout the world are realizing the opportunities that exist to further compete with other materials and processes including aluminium and magnesium die casting, plastics, sintered metals, etc.
7 – According to you, what is the strategic position of the engineering consultancies and design offices towards the zinc die-casting alloys?
A recent US study revealed some interesting information on the growth potential of applications for zinc die-casting alloys. Clearly, zinc die-casting alloys are still missing visibility and this slows down the development of this market. However, designers that have discovered zinc die-casting alloy consider zinc die-casting alloys as the most promising material for growth with far better perspective than other materials and processes including aluminium and magnesium die casting, plastics, sintered metals, CNC.
In the following applications further growth is expected:
- Instruments, controls, lab & photo equipment
- Aircraft, aerospace & military
- Electronic equipment
- Medical, dental and safety equipment
- Telecom, GPS, microwave, signals & alarms
- Power & handtools
- Pumps & compressors
- Alternate energy generation
- Robotics
IZA will take initiatives to improve visibility of the zinc die-casting alloys. Today, the material properties databases have almost no information on these alloys. Engineers and designers worldwide rely on such information to design parts with the best choice of material, taking into consideration engineering properties as well as the economics. Entering our data in these databases will be a first action that will be taken.
8 – How would you see the future of zinc die-casting alloys?
The unique combination of mechanical properties, surface finishing options, and casting features like high complexity, high precision and thin sections will continue to make zinc pressure die-cast parts the preferred choice in many applications. Further improvements of hot chamber die-casting machines, state of the art casting simulation tools and new alloys will only enhance the development. With all these assets, IZA is confident that there is a room from growth in the European market.
The Association’s goal is to deliver value to its members through innovative programs in its strategic focus areas of Environment and Sustainable Development, Technology and Market Development and Communications. From Brussels, Mik Gilles responds to our questions:
1 - The association has been created 25 years ago. Do the missions of IZA are still the same, despite the economical & geopolitical context?
25 years ago IZA was formed by 18 zinc companies with the mission to grow and protect the global markets for zinc. What evolution have we seen in the past 25 years? A more consolidated Zinc Industry. More environmental regulation requiring sound science and communication with key regulatory authorities and thus a growing requirement that companies need a “license to operate”.
More competition to zinc products such as aluminium in auto bodies.
- A need to develop and expand new uses for zinc.
- The need for more product information, education and technology transfer in emerging markets.
- Less product research and market development resources in Member companies.
- More demand for proper sustainability assessments of zinc’s environmental footprint for key designers and specifiers.
- A need to assume social responsibility.
These are all just to name a few. Over the past 25 years IZA became recognized as the sole global voice and advocate for the zinc industry with a strong and shared vision where “zinc is recognized as sustainable and essential for modern life”.
The role of IZA has evolved over the years but the basic vision and mission remain the same— to ensure the zinc industry has a “license to operate” and to sustainably grow and protect zinc markets.
2 - How many people are working for IZA?
IZA has a staff of 20 people split over its main offices in Brussels and the US, and 5 small satellite offices in China, South America, India, South Africa and Russia (ZDC).
3 – What is your position inside the association?
In the Brussels office, most of my colleagues are toxicologist or biologists with limited knowledge on processes and products. Therefor I address all issues related to industrial processes and emission abatement techniques, sustainability, life cycle assessment as well as market development support for zinc die-casting in Europe. IZA’s market development actions are worldwide organized from our US office in Raleigh, North Carolina.
4 – Could you tell us what are the prospects for the future of IZA?
Environment and Health:
IZA maintains a core program on zinc-related environment and health issues. The primary focus of this program is to provide a global and regional framework to assess regulatory challenges to zinc use and to coordinate industry responses. IZA produces and communicates the critical information needed for the regulatory agencies to base their decisions on sound science.
Environment and sustainability programs are integral to the future of the zinc industry.
Through the Zinc for Life initiative, recycling programs and other activities, IZA continues to develop and update information on the sustainability aspects of zinc and zinc products and communicates this information to the key markets and stakeholders.
Compliance with Environment, Health and Safety (EHS) regulations is mandatory to maintaining the zinc industry’s license to operate, and also to retain market access for zinc products. The monitoring and research activities of IZA are critical as an “early warning” function concerning new upcoming issues, which happens quite often. IZA’s ongoing dialog with regulatory agencies is also important in achieving sensible outcomes.
Two main issues in this context in Europe are REACH, which is the European chemicals management policy, and the Water Framework Directive.
In REACH, IZA functions as the secretariat for the Zinc Consortium, which includes almost 100 companies producing or importing zinc, zinc compounds and zinc containing intermediates. IZA drafted the files that allowed successful registration of these substances, and continues to keep the files updated.
In the Water Framework Directive, zinc was shortlisted for the Priority Substances List, which would have stigmatized zinc as a substance with widespread risks for EU waters, possibly with dire consequences for the use of zinc products. Thanks to intense technical and advocacy work by IZA, zinc was not prioritized in the first update of the Priority Substances List, and it looks like it will also not be prioritized in the second update.
IZA regulatory programs will remain very important in the future, as the pressure of EHS regulations is expected to increase.
Zinc deficiency:
Zinc deficiency is a major global health problem affecting 30% of the world’s population. It is mainly related to an inadequate intake of zinc through the diet, affecting especially people in countries across South-East Asia, Africa and Latin America. Young children are most impacted due to the adverse effect of zinc deficiency on their immune system, growth and brain development. IZA has successfully advocated for programs aimed at addressing zinc deficiency. From its early support for the International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group (IZiNCG); to its Zinc Saves Kids initiative in support of UNICEF in Nepal and Peru; and partnerships with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and collaboration with the Mining Compact for Child Health in support of the UN’s Every Woman, Every Child campaign. IZA member companies have also engaged in similar initiatives as part of their corporate social responsibility programs. The most recent engagement is a partnership with UNICEF in Mexico.
The Zinc Nutrient Initiative (ZNI) was launched to address zinc deficiency in crops and humans by adding zinc-fortified fertilizers to soils. Adding zinc to soils significantly increases crop yield, boosts zinc nutritional value in humans and improves farmer incomes. ZNI works closely with companies, governments and NGOs to address policy issues and to promote the benefits of zinc fertilizers to the farming community. Zinc in fertilizers now accounts for 2% of the world market for zinc consumption and one analyst predicts this market will reach 400,000 tonnes per annum by 2018.
It has been realized that despite strong growth of NPK fertilizers, many soils have become ‘mined’ of essential micronutrients, particularly zinc. This has led to reduced yield responses to N-based fertilizers as well as lower levels in food crops causing extensive human and animal health problems.
These effects have become particularly pronounced in Asia-Pacific, South America, and Sub-Saharan Africa, with WHO placing zinc deficiency fifth, two places above vitamin A deficiency, in their ranking of global risks.
IZA’s Zinc Nutrient Initiative has been at the fore-front of increasing awareness and use of zinc enriched fertilizers to address zinc deficiency affecting soils, crops, human and animal health globally.
The strong market growth in zinc fertilizers has created a very sound platform for IZA members to develop sustainable business strategies within global agriculture and to make a profound contribution to both food—and nutrition—security in future.
Market development Galvanizing:
IZA works closely with Regional Galvanizing Associations on targeted market development programs aimed at specific markets such as the use of galvanized rebar in bridge decks. In partnership with the American Galvanizers Association, a new galvanized rebar marketing group was formed in 2016 along with a new website and market brochure. Galvanized rebar is a promising new market for zinc. In developing countries, IZA’s general galvanizing initiatives have focused upon promoting and educating key decision makers about zinc’s advantages in corrosion protection and other applications. To ensure long-term sustainability of these markets, this education also involves training galvanizers on modern and efficient galvanizing.
IZA’s ability to bring the resources, research capability and expertise of the global zinc industry to deliver a sound scientific basis for environmental regulations for zinc is appreciated by general galvanizers and other first-tier zinc users worldwide.
IZA’s Galvanized Autobody Partnership (GAP) is a coalition of zinc, steel and auto companies aligned to retain and grow steel use in the auto sector through technical innovations in advanced high strength steels and ensuring these evolving steel grades can be galvanized. Automotive is an important market, consuming 600,000 tonnes of zinc in 2015. Further development of the markets in China (350,000 TPY) and India (150,000 TPY) is poised to add an additional 500,000 TPY zinc consumption to this sector.
To develop the application of corrosion protection by zinc thermal spraying, IZA is targeting offshore applications like windmills and cruise ships.
5 – What is its business model?
IZA manages a diverse range of high-impact projects in market development, environment, and sustainability and communications programs. Key to their success is the relevance to zinc customers and end-users. IZA has partnered with steel mills, general galvanizers, alloyers and diecasters, zinc sheet producers, oxide producers and fertilizer companies to help them capitalize on growth opportunities and/or to defend present markets.
IZA’s sustainability programs have also been critical to the zinc industry as well as to downstream customers and users. Zinc Saves Kids in support of UNICEF and the Zinc Nutrient Initiative have raised the awareness of zinc’s value and also reinforced the zinc industry’s commitment to initiatives that benefit society.
Working with our members’customers provides more than cost sharing benefits; their input helps prioritize IZA’s programs and ensures that results are adopted in the marketplace. This value chain focus has enabled IZA to deliver some remarkable returns on a relatively modest investment from its zinc producing members. In fact, customers and other IZA partners account for 55% of the funds under IZA management.
These partnerships would not be possible if IZA had not built a reputation of effectively and efficiently managing highly relevant programs with a very knowledgeable staff. Their expertise and energy is second to none—we are very fortunate to have them.
IZA has been focused on being as effective and efficient as possible. All projects have key performance indicators (KPI’s) to measure operational and financial parameters. Additional revenue opportunities continue to be a high priority; IZA will organize the first annual Zinc Conference in Europe in 2017. IZA continues to move towards being the global voice of the industry.
6 - What do you think about Zamak (Zinc die-casting alloy)?
IZA’s market development program for die castings has two primary goals. One is to increase awareness of zinc casting alloys at the designer, specifier and engineering levels. This entails developing and disseminating essential user property data, including mechanical and finish properties and educating design and engineering students about zinc castings and their capabilities. The second area involves the development of new technologies (such as thin wall castings) or new alloys with improved properties to open new markets and applications.
IZA is a vital part of the die casting industry. IZA leads the way in research and partnerships with companies to promote zinc die casting’s ability to cast ultra-thin wall applications and in improved creep resistance. Through IZA’s efforts, die casting companies throughout the world are realizing the opportunities that exist to further compete with other materials and processes including aluminium and magnesium die casting, plastics, sintered metals, etc.
7 – According to you, what is the strategic position of the engineering consultancies and design offices towards the zinc die-casting alloys?
A recent US study revealed some interesting information on the growth potential of applications for zinc die-casting alloys. Clearly, zinc die-casting alloys are still missing visibility and this slows down the development of this market. However, designers that have discovered zinc die-casting alloy consider zinc die-casting alloys as the most promising material for growth with far better perspective than other materials and processes including aluminium and magnesium die casting, plastics, sintered metals, CNC.
In the following applications further growth is expected:
- Instruments, controls, lab & photo equipment
- Aircraft, aerospace & military
- Electronic equipment
- Medical, dental and safety equipment
- Telecom, GPS, microwave, signals & alarms
- Power & handtools
- Pumps & compressors
- Alternate energy generation
- Robotics
IZA will take initiatives to improve visibility of the zinc die-casting alloys. Today, the material properties databases have almost no information on these alloys. Engineers and designers worldwide rely on such information to design parts with the best choice of material, taking into consideration engineering properties as well as the economics. Entering our data in these databases will be a first action that will be taken.
8 – How would you see the future of zinc die-casting alloys?
The unique combination of mechanical properties, surface finishing options, and casting features like high complexity, high precision and thin sections will continue to make zinc pressure die-cast parts the preferred choice in many applications. Further improvements of hot chamber die-casting machines, state of the art casting simulation tools and new alloys will only enhance the development. With all these assets, IZA is confident that there is a room from growth in the European market.
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