To mark World Corrosion Awareness Day, Hindustan Zinc Limited, India’s sole and the world’s largest integrated zinc producer, launched a powerful campaign, #ZungKeKhilaafZinc, aimed at raising public awareness about corrosion and its far-reaching impact. The initiative highlights the serious issue of corrosion, which costs India nearly 5% of its GDP each year, translating to over $100 billion in avoidable losses. Corrosion, a natural but persistent process, causes metals to degrade through chemical and electrochemical reactions triggered by moisture, oxygen, pollutants, and salts. This leads to severe damage to critical infrastructure and assets such as vehicles. Zinc galvanization offers an effective and scalable solution by creating a protective layer that significantly extends the lifespan and durability of metals.
As part of the campaign, Hindustan Zinc launched a week-long series of activities, including social media engagement, on-ground demonstrations, and a nationwide consumer survey. The company’s efforts aim to promote long-term, cost-effective protection for both public infrastructure and private assets, advocating the use of galvanized steel—a durable, affordable alternative to more expensive 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.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. 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 24th April, 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.
