For over a century, zinc has enhanced the longevity and performance of steel. Zinc coatings provide the most effective and economical way of protecting steel against corrosion. Zinc-coated or galvanized steel offers a unique combination of

• high strength
• formability
• light weight
• corrosion resistance
• aesthetics
• recyclability
• low cost that is unmatched by any other material.

For this reason, galvanized steel sheet is an ideal material for a multitude of building and manufacturing applications—from automobiles to household appliances to residential, commercial and industrial construction. Corrosion is estimated to cost an industrialised country's economy at least 4% of GDP each year. Recognising this fact, together with the known strength, economy and durability of zinc-coated steel sheet, manufacturers and consumers are today demanding a higher content of zinc-protected sheet in durable goods and building products, a trend that has been growing steadily over the last 15 years.

Today there are over 550 continuous galvanising lines worldwide and additional capacity is planned in response to growing demand. This brochure, provided by Living Steel supporting member, the International Zinc Association (IZA), describes the continuous galvanizing process, products, coating performance and the environmental characteristics of zinc coatings. Other zinc coatings in addition to continuous galvanizing are also briefly discussed.