Hot dip galvanized steel – a key component in circular construction

As the construction sector stands on the threshold of its biggest climate realignment ever, choosing the right materials for your project is a critical consideration. One of the most interesting materials in circular construction is hot dip galvanized steel. It’s strong, requires zero maintenance, and is 100% recyclable. At a time when climate issues are dominating the public discourse, steel is starting to regain its hard-earned position as the building material of the future.

The concept of the “circular economy” centres around the extent to which materials can be recycled, beginning in the planning phase of a project. Thanks to the evolution of technology and methodology, architects and players in the construction and property sector now have enormous scope to reduce the environmental impact of their developments by choosing materials that have a long service life and are highly recyclable.  In this respect, hot dip galvanized steel is an excellent example of a material that meshes perfectly with this circular thinking.

Life Cycle Analysis
In order to understand the actual environmental impact of a product, you need to look at its complete life cycle. A Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) shows the total environmental impact of a product – from raw material and manufacturing, to use, maintenance, and recycling. Life Cycle Cost (LCC) takes the same holistic perspective, but focuses more on finances. It shows the total cost of a product over time, not just the purchase price, but also the costs related to operation and maintenance. Combining an LCA and an LCC, you get a more complete picture of both environmental impact and long-term profitability.

Unbeatable service life
Steel has played a key role in the development of Sweden. It has built our cities, driven our industry, and given us commercial strength. Hot dip galvanizing is an efficient process that not only gives steel the highest possible level of protection against the onset of corrosion, but also makes it incredibly durable and totally recyclable.
– If we’re talking about life cycle cost, I would say that hot dip galvanized steel is the most cost-effective, durable, and reliable material for exterior-facing building elements in Sweden, says Mattias Andersson, Sustainability Manager at Weland AB.

Hot dip galvanized steel structures
At Weland, hot dip galvanizing is a fundamental part of the manufacturing process for our staircases, railings, ramps, and gratings. Products that are to be hot dip galvanized are lowered into a zinc bath containing molten zinc. A reaction occurs in the contact surface between the steel and liquid zinc forming a ferrous/zinc alloy. Hot dip galvanized steel initially has a silvery surface that gradually transitions to a grey colour, helping the material blend naturally into most environments.

100% recyclable
Steel and zinc can be recycled again and again without compromising quality or strength. Weland staircases are hot dip galvanized structures with an estimated service life of up to 80 years and are 100 % recyclable In other words, a staircase can be removed and reassembled in a different location. Even after decades of use, the coating remains intact and requires no additional work. For Weland, it’s about building solutions that last – for generations.

Publicerad: 2026-01-13