ABB & Boliden: Innovating Low-Carbon Zinc for Circularity

ABB is partnering with Swedish mining and smelting company Boliden to transform the zinc value chain with low-carbon zinc solutions.

The collaboration aligns with ABB’s mission to drive sustainability across industries through electrification and advanced technology.

Low-carbon zinc, a material central to this initiative, is produced with a carbon footprint 75% lower than the industry standard.

By integrating Boliden’s sustainable zinc into its low-voltage power distribution systems, ABB is not only reducing its own environmental impact but also offering its customers greener infrastructure solutions.

The role of low-carbon zinc in a circular economy

Zinc, widely used for galvanising steel to prevent corrosion, is an essential component of long-lasting infrastructure.

It can protect steel structures for up to 100 years, enhancing durability and minimising waste.

Boliden’s innovative approach to zinc production reduces CO2 emissions to just 1.0 kg per kilogram of metal, compared to the industry average of 3.6 kg. This reduction is achieved by leveraging renewable energy and optimising operational efficiency.

ABB’s use of Boliden’s low-carbon zinc demonstrates a commitment to the circular economy. By adopting sustainable materials in products like power distribution solutions, ABB and Boliden are setting new standards for environmental responsibility.

For example, ABB’s Kabeldon power distribution cabinets, widely used in neighbourhoods, renewable energy systems, EV chargers and industrial facilities, are now galvanised with this eco-friendly zinc.

These cabinets, also available in low-carbon steel, come with a Type III Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), ensuring full transparency about their environmental impact.

A partnership built on shared goals

Boliden relies on ABB’s electrification solutions to power its operations efficiently and reduce its own environmental footprint.

In return, ABB incorporates Boliden’s low-carbon zinc into its products, creating a mutually beneficial cycle of sustainable practices.

Massimiliano Cifalitti, ABB Smart Power President, explains: “At ABB, we are on a mission to help industries become leaner and cleaner.

"With ABB solutions, Boliden is using electricity in its operations more efficiently to reduce their environmental impact.

"Sourcing their low-carbon zinc to help reduce the carbon footprint of our solutions demonstrates the value of partnerships in the energy transition and the circular economy.”

The partnership highlights the potential of integrated value chains to drive real progress.

Boliden’s Zinc Sales Manager, Daniel Asplund, adds: “We are taking every possible step forward in our mining and smelting operations for high productivity and the lowest possible climate impact.

"Our collaboration with ABB shows why we are a frontrunner in this field: together we have electrified much of our operations and are driving efficiency advancements. Having ABB solutions in our facilities made with our own low-carbon zinc is an important example of value chain responsibility.”

A broader vision for sustainability

ABB has set a target to incorporate its circularity approach into 80% of its products and solutions by 2030. This involves transitioning to materials with lower carbon footprints and providing customers with sustainable alternatives. 

By rethinking materials and production methods, ABB is helping to accelerate the global energy transition.

Its collaboration with Boliden not only exemplifies how partnerships can enable this shift but also underscores the role of technology in creating a more sustainable future.

As the world moves toward fossil-free societies, initiatives like this are vital for addressing climate challenges and ensuring resource efficiency.

ABB’s Kabeldon cabinets and other power distribution solutions represent the tangible benefits of such efforts, proving that sustainable innovation is not just an aspiration but a reality.

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