ZINQ and Schmitz Cargobull enter into strategic partnership to promote the circular economy

Partnership by developing a Digital Circular Product Passport (DCPP) for galvanized steel chassis.

Horstmar, Germany- Schmitz Cargobull AG., a German semi-trailer manufacturer, and the ZINQ Group., a Fabricated Metal Products provider, have expanded their nearly 25-year partnership to focus on the circular economy. Dr. Günter Schweitzer, COO of Schmitz Cargobull, and Mr. Lars Baumgürtel, managing partner of ZINQ, are collaborating to enhance environmental transparency and data sharing across the value chain. Their first initiative is developing and implementing a digital circular product passport (DCPP) for hot-dip galvanized steel chassis, marking a significant step towards circular quality in the industry.

Starting in 2026, the EU’s Ecodesign Regulation for Sustainable Products (EU ESPR) will require certain products to have a digital product passport (DPP) to enhance traceability and sustainability. The DPP, a digital twin, will track a product’s environmental impact throughout its lifecycle and across the value chain, aiming for greater transparency and circular economy practices.

Mr. Lars Baumgürtel of ZINQ GmbH & Co. KG highlights that a standardized product passport is essential for achieving the EU Green Deal’s "Triple Zero" goals: zero waste, zero CO2 emissions, and zero pollution. ZINQ's Digital Circular Product Passport (DCPP), presented in late 2023, adds detailed lifecycle information for hot-dip galvanized surfaces and is being developed for broad industry use. The partnership with Schmitz Cargobull AG is crucial for advancing this initiative and meeting EU Green Deal objectives.

Europe's trailer manufacturer has long recognized the benefits of circular hot-dip galvanized surfaces like ecoZINQ and microZINQ, establishing them as industry standards. These surfaces offer superior functionality, durability, and ecological quality, with galvanized steel chassis being fully recyclable at the end of a trailer’s life. Dr. Günter Schweitzer, COO of Schmitz Cargobull, notes that developing a digital circular product pass (DCPP) for trailers with ZINQ sets a benchmark for the circular economy, marking a significant step towards this goal.

The DCPP is being developed through collaboration between Schmitz Cargobull and ZINQ, including participation in funding projects. Lars Baumgürtel believes this partnership will advance circular products in vehicle construction, enhancing both functional and ecological benefits.

Since 2001, ZINQ has provided hot-dip galvanizing for Schmitz Cargobull trailers, replacing environmentally harmful painting methods. Nearly a million tons of steel have been galvanized, resulting in durable trailers with a positive CO2 balance and free from secondary microplastics. The long-standing partnership forms a strong foundation for future success, with a focus on expanding cooperation in the circular economy and creating a network to trace product quality across all industries.