Zinc Scrap Market U.S. Growth Forecasted at 3.9% CAGR During 2025-2035

The global zinc scrap market has become a critical component of the metals recycling industry as more industries adopt sustainable practices and circular economy principles. In 2024, the market was valued at USD 11,496 million, reflecting its growing role in reducing dependence on virgin zinc production and helping manufacturers cut costs while also aligning with environmental goals. Zinc is widely used for galvanizing steel, die-casting, alloy manufacturing, and batteries, and the increasing availability of scrap sources has given industries a reliable and eco-friendly alternative to mined zinc. Recycling zinc not only conserves natural resources but also helps reduce the carbon footprint associated with primary zinc production, making it an attractive solution for industries under pressure to meet stricter environmental regulations.

Zinc Scrap Market to Reach USD 19,178 Million by 2035

By 2035, the zinc scrap market is expected to expand significantly, reaching a valuation of USD 19,178 million. This growth is being fueled by rising demand across multiple industries, particularly construction, automotive, energy storage, and galvanizing, which continue to consume large amounts of zinc. Infrastructure development in emerging economies is accelerating the need for galvanization, while advanced energy storage systems are creating new opportunities for zinc-based batteries that rely on recycled material. Developed economies are also playing an important role in driving this demand, as governments implement stringent recycling policies that require higher recycled content in production. The combination of strong industrial demand, global sustainability goals, and growing availability of scrap is shaping the future of the zinc scrap market as a reliable and scalable supply source.

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Zinc Scrap Market Growing at 4.8% CAGR (2025–2035)

During the forecast period from 2025 to 2035, the zinc scrap market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 4.8 percent. This steady expansion highlights the resilience of the market in the face of challenges such as price fluctuations in primary zinc, variable scrap collection rates, and the costs associated with recycling operations. Despite these issues, the advantages of zinc scrap recycling are becoming clearer to manufacturers who benefit from reduced costs, lower emissions, and a more secure supply chain. The stability of this growth rate also underscores the balance between rising demand and the industry’s ability to improve recycling infrastructure and technology to meet that demand efficiently.

Segmentation and Regional Growth Dynamics

The zinc scrap market can be categorized by sources such as post-industrial and post-consumer scrap. Post-industrial scrap, which comes from galvanizing residues, die-casting off-cuts, and other manufacturing byproducts, currently dominates the market because manufacturers often prioritize recycling their own waste before sourcing externally. Post-consumer scrap is also gaining traction as consumer awareness about recycling grows and industries develop better systems to collect discarded products containing zinc.

Regionally, Asia-Pacific stands out as the leader in zinc scrap consumption and recycling, thanks to its strong industrial base and expanding infrastructure for metal recovery. India, with its booming construction and galvanizing sectors, is projected to register the fastest growth at more than 7 percent CAGR, while China is also expected to expand at over 5 percent CAGR. In North America and Europe, the growth trajectory is steadier but equally significant due to strong regulatory frameworks supporting recycling and sustainability. The United States, for instance, is expected to record around 3.9 percent CAGR, as industries increasingly rely on recycled zinc to support large-scale manufacturing and infrastructure projects.

Growth Drivers

The expansion of the zinc scrap market is being driven by several interconnected factors. One of the primary drivers is the continued high demand for galvanizing, as steel used in construction and infrastructure requires zinc coatings to prevent corrosion. Recycling zinc provides an economical and environmentally friendly way to meet this demand. Another factor is the growing importance of zinc in batteries and energy storage technologies, which are becoming critical in the global transition to clean energy. Recycled zinc is emerging as a vital material in this field because it offers sustainability benefits without compromising performance.

In addition, governments worldwide are introducing policies to encourage recycling and reduce reliance on primary mining operations. These policies support the use of recycled materials in manufacturing and promote circular economy practices. Primary zinc production itself is facing mounting challenges, including rising mining costs, environmental restrictions, and pressure to reduce emissions. These issues make secondary zinc more attractive as a cost-effective and sustainable option, ensuring that recycled zinc becomes an essential part of industrial supply chains in the coming years.

Recent Developments

The zinc scrap market has experienced notable developments in technology, infrastructure, and policy. Companies are investing in advanced recycling methods that improve the sorting and purification of scrap, making the recovered zinc suitable for high-value applications such as galvanizing and alloys. These technological advancements are helping recyclers meet the strict quality standards required by industries while also improving recovery rates.

At the same time, strategic partnerships between recycling companies, manufacturers, and governments have led to the expansion of collection networks and recycling facilities, particularly in Asia-Pacific and Europe. Initiatives to improve traceability and certification of recycled zinc are also being implemented, ensuring transparency and building trust with downstream users. These developments are in line with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, which are becoming critical for companies looking to attract investment and strengthen their reputation in global markets.

Key Players Insights

The competitive landscape of the zinc scrap market includes several major players along with a growing number of regional recyclers. Companies such as Grillo-Werke AG, Boliden AB, Recylex S.A., and DOWA Holdings Co., Ltd. (through its Akita Zinc operations) play significant roles in shaping the market. Grillo-Werke AG has built a strong reputation for producing high-purity recycled zinc that serves industries with strict quality requirements. Boliden AB has focused on improving sustainability in its refining processes, aiming to lower emissions while expanding its recycling operations. Recylex S.A. continues to be a key contributor in the European market, while DOWA Holdings has pioneered advanced recycling technologies in Asia to enhance recovery and efficiency.

Beyond these large players, regional recyclers are also making their mark by developing localized collection systems and offering specialized processing services. Many are moving toward providing value-added products such as purified zinc concentrates tailored to the needs of specific industries. These smaller players are essential in building a robust and diversified supply chain for recycled zinc, complementing the efforts of global leaders.

Future Outlook

The outlook for the zinc scrap market over the next decade is highly promising. With demand from construction, automotive, galvanizing, and energy storage industries expected to rise, recycled zinc will increasingly become a cornerstone of supply strategies. Technological innovation will continue to enhance the quality and efficiency of recycling operations, while regulatory support for recycling and sustainability will drive adoption across regions.

However, challenges such as fluctuating zinc prices, inconsistent scrap quality, and logistical complexities in collection and distribution will need to be managed carefully. Companies that invest in overcoming these barriers and align their operations with global ESG goals will be best positioned to thrive. Overall, with the market projected to grow from USD 11,496 million in 2024 to USD 19,178 million by 2035 at a steady CAGR of 4.8 percent, the zinc scrap industry is poised to play an increasingly vital role in achieving both economic growth and environmental responsibility worldwide.

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