Solar energy reduces carbon footprint
In 2022, the 3,240 solar panels on the roof of De Boer Staal’s production hall generated green electricity, of which a total of 783 mWh (2021: 582 mWh) was returned to the energy grid. Including this return, De Boer Staal is de facto the first Business Unit in our Family Group to be CO2 neutral based on scope 1 and 2.
In November 2022, the first tranche of solar panels on the roof in Reuver (where Staco is located) became operational. This is not yet materially contributing to the reduction of the carbon footprint in this reporting year, but for the following years, the production of green energy will influence Staco’s CO2 production. Project planning is further investigating the options for solar panels at some Rotocoat and Staco sites.
Using state-of-the-art manufacturing technologies, we have reduced the carbon footprint per kg of zinc to just 0.15 kg, a fraction of the global industry average. Rezinal is now aiming to further reduce its carbon emissions all the way to net zero.
Stijn Aerts, prevention advisor Rezinal
Reduction of TOC emissions
At present, Rezinal, the largest CO2 producer in our Family Group, is focusing on reducing CO2 in zinc recycling production. Although the CO2 production has risen due to increased production, it is good to emphasise that the CO2 burden for recycled zinc production is approximately ten times lower than for primary zinc production. In 2022, Rezinal invested in reducing Total Organic Carbon (TOC) emissions from the Coreco (scrap zinc) furnace. For 2023, Rezinal has procured green energy.