Ahead of World Corrosion Awareness Day, Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s only and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, launched a series of impactful initiatives under its campaign #ZungKeKhilaafZinc to raise public awareness about corrosion and its widespread impact. The campaign underscores the awareness on corrosion, a critical issue that costs India nearly 5% of its GDP annually, amounting to over $100 billion in preventable losses. Corrosion, a natural yet relentless process, deteriorates metals through chemical and electrochemical reactions caused by moisture, oxygen, pollutants, and salts. This leads to accelerated structural damage and threatens key assets such as infrastructure and vehicle bodies. Zinc galvanization is a proven, scalable solution to prevent such losses by forming a protective barrier that extends metal life and performance.

 

As part of the campaign, the world’s largest integrated zinc producer rolled out a week-long integrated activation including social media outreach, on-ground demonstrations, and a nationwide consumer survey. The company’s efforts aim to promote long-term, cost-effective protection for public infrastructure and private assets by advocating the use of galvanized steel—an affordable, highly durable alternative to costlier materials like stainless steel.

 

To raise customer awareness in the automotive sector, Hindustan Zinc conducted a live demonstration from 21st to 24th April in high-footfall areas of Zinc City, Udaipur, a city with over 2,500 years of zinc legacy. The company displayed 2 two-wheelers — one galvanized and one non-galvanized — were placed side by side. The contrast was evident: the non-galvanized two-wheeler showed visible rust, while the galvanized two-wheeler remained intact, protected by its zinc coating. This public experiment sparked curiosity and conversations, capturing real-time reactions to promote informed, zinc-smart decisions. The demonstration was targeted at youth, business owners, and the general public.

 

Arun Misra, CEO, Hindustan Zinc Limited, said, “Corrosion poses a serious threat to our infrastructure and the nation’s economy at large. At Hindustan Zinc, we believe awareness is the first step toward real change. While it’s essential for manufacturers to adopt galvanization, consumers also play a vital role by asking the right questions - especially when it comes to long-term investments like homes and vehicles. Through #ZungKeKhilaafZinc, we’re committed to educating industries and individuals alike about the critical value of zinc protection.”

 

Observed annually on April 24, World Corrosion Awareness Day is an initiative by the World Corrosion Organization (WCO) to spotlight the enormous economic and environmental cost of rust. Globally, corrosion results in economic losses exceeding $2.5 trillion, or approximately 3%–4% of industrial nations’ GDP. In India with its 7,800 km coastline and high-humidity zones faces a high risk of corrosion. However, countries like Japan and Australia have reduced their corrosion-related GDP losses to just 1.5%, primarily due to widespread use of zinc-coated steel. Studies suggest that up to 30% of corrosion-related damage can be avoided with proper prevention strategies.

 

The social experiment highlighted how over 70% of a vehicle's body is steel, which corrodes easily without protection. In the automotive sector, Indian automakers are increasingly adopting zinc coatings for the body-in-white (BIW), the structural skeleton of a vehicle and its components. Galvanized steel not only provides robust corrosion protection but also enhances durability, safety, and resale value. With galvanization costing less than 0.1% of a vehicle’s price, it pays for itself within a year through reduced maintenance. The company is also conducting a nationwide survey on corrosion’s impact, especially in India’s harsh climate. The initiative brings industry experts together to stress the need for galvanized steel in cutting long-term repair and infrastructure costs.

 

Hindustan Zinc Limited, a Vedanta Group company, is the world’s largest integrated zinc producer and amongst the top 5 silver producers globally. The company supplies to more than 40 countries and holds a market share of about 75% of the primary zinc market in India. Hindustan Zinc has been recognized as the world’s most sustainable company in the metals and mining category for the second consecutive year by the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2024. The company also launched EcoZen, Asia's first low carbon 'green' zinc brand, produced using renewable energy. As an energy transition metals company, Hindustan Zinc is pivotal in providing critical metals essential for a sustainable future.