Consultation on UK Best Available Techniques for preventing or minimising impacts on the environment from industry

Closes 14 May 2026

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Section 3: Ferrous Metals processing (galvanizing) sector - Specific Questions

Based on a screening process involving input from TWG members, the BATC which could result in the most significant changes in emissions or costs to industry were identified.

The BATC identified through this process are detailed on the following page, along with specific questions on each of these. 

10. [BAT 9] Are the techniques, BAT-AEPLs and monitoring requirements to increase energy efficiency appropriate for the industry?

Energy efficiency of heating

BAT require the use of techniques to increase energy efficiency in heating (including the heating / drying of workpieces as well as heating of baths and galvanizing kettles) and compliance with BAT-associated environmental performance levels (BAT-AEPLs).

  • BAT 9 covers techniques to increase energy efficiency and for BAT-AEPLs for specific energy consumption in batch galvanizing
  • BAT 7 covers the monitoring requirements for channelled emissions to air
11. [BAT 26] Are the techniques, BAT-AELs and monitoring requirements to reduce emissions to air from hot dipping in batch galvanizing appropriate for the industry?

Emissions to air from hot dipping

BAT require the use of techniques to reduce emissions to air of dust and zinc from hot dipping after fluxing in batch galvanizing, the monitoring of channelled emissions and compliance with BAT-associated emission levels (BAT-AELs).

  • BAT 26 covers techniques to reduce emissions to air and BAT-AELs for channelled dust emissions to air
  • BAT 7 covers the monitoring requirements for channelled emissions to air

 

12. [BAT 13] Are the techniques, BAT-AELs and monitoring requirements to minimise spent acid appropriate for the industry?

Material efficiency in pickling

BAT outline the necessary measures to monitor and minimise the generation of spent pickling acid during the galvanizing process and the BAT-AELs for specific pickling acid consumption.

  • BAT 13 covers techniques and BAT-AELs to reduce the quantity of spent acid generated
  • BAT 7 covers the monitoring requirements for channelled emissions to air
13. [BAT 17] Are the acid recovery techniques the most appropriate and effective methods for the sector to reduce the quantity of spent acid sent for disposal?

Material efficiency in spent acid recovery

To reduce the quantity of spent acids sent for disposal from pickling activities, BAT require that spent pickling acid is recovered or used as a secondary raw material (e.g. to produce iron chloride or pigments).

  • BAT 17 covers the techniques for the recovery of pickling acids