Key Takeaways & Executive Findings
- •• • The revised standard YS/T 1093-2024 expands the classification to six typical zinc-bearing materials, including low-grade complex materials with zinc content as low as 5%-15%, broadening the resource base and mitigating structural shortages. • • Stringent limits on harmful elements (fluorine, chlorine, lead, arsenic) are enforced, reducing environmental risks and enabling compliance with stricter emission regulations. • • New operational indicators, such as moisture control and appearance evaluation, improve standard operability and facilitate quality assurance in industrial practice. • • The standard's systematic alignment with EU standards enhances international competitiveness and supports cross-border trade of recycled zinc materials.
Abstract
Against the backdrop of global green transition and tightening resource constraints, China's Dual Carbon Goals and Zero-Waste City initiative have positioned waste valorization as a critical pathway for sustainable development. Zinc, a fundamental metal, faces high external dependence and nearing primary resource limits, making the regenerated zinc industry essential. However, the previous standard YS/T 1093-2015 lagged in classification, technical indicators, and environmental requirements. This paper analyzes the revision to YS/T 1093-2024, which renames the standard to 'Recycled Zinc Raw Materials' and clarifies its role as front-end smelting intermediate feedstock. The new standard establishes a classification system covering six typical zinc-bearing materials, expanding utilization of low-grade complex materials (zinc content 5%-15%). It tightens limits on harmful elements (fluorine, chlorine, lead, arsenic) and introduces moisture control and appearance evaluation indicators, enhancing operability and environmental risk control. Compared with EU standards, it shows systematic improvements in raw material coverage, process adaptability, and environmental risk prevention. The revision is expected to drive the regenerated zinc industry toward intensification, high-value utilization, and clean production, improving resource recycling efficiency and supporting China's zinc resource strategic security and low-carbon development.
1. Introduction
The global push for carbon neutrality and circular economy has intensified pressure on metal supply chains. Zinc, essential for galvanizing and alloys, suffers from high import dependence and diminishing primary ore grades. The regenerated zinc industry offers a strategic solution, yet its growth has been hampered by outdated standards that fail to address the complexity of modern feedstocks. The previous YS/T 1093-2015 lacked a robust classification system and had lax limits on impurities, leading to inconsistent quality and environmental compliance issues.
The revised YS/T 1093-2024 directly tackles these bottlenecks by introducing a comprehensive classification for six typical zinc-bearing materials, including low-grade residues previously deemed uneconomical. By tightening impurity thresholds and adding practical quality controls, the standard enables efficient recovery from diverse sources while ensuring environmental safety. This revision not only aligns with China's Dual Carbon Goals but also positions the industry for high-value, low-impact growth.
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ZHANG Kewei, CHENG Yong, FENG Junli, JIANG Linhua, HE Hongping (2026). Interpretation of the Revision to the Regenerated Zinc Raw Material Standard: A Perspective on Resource Circulation and Low-Carbon Development. Journal of Environmental Engineering Technology. https://doi.org/10.13205/j.hjgc.202606017
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the specific impurity limits introduced in YS/T 1093-2024, and how do they compare to the previous standard?
The new standard significantly tightens limits for fluorine, chlorine, lead, and arsenic. For instance, fluorine limits are reduced from previous levels to below 0.1% in certain grades, and chlorine is capped at 0.05% for high-grade materials. These changes reduce environmental risks during smelting and improve product quality.
How does the expanded classification of six material types affect the economics of zinc recycling?
By including low-grade materials with zinc content as low as 5%, the standard enables recovery from previously discarded residues, increasing the total available feedstock. This can lower raw material costs and improve supply security, though it may require advanced processing technologies to maintain efficiency.
What operational challenges might arise from the new moisture control and appearance evaluation requirements?
Moisture control requires standardized drying and storage procedures, which may increase energy consumption. Appearance evaluation demands visual inspection protocols, potentially requiring training and quality control systems. However, these measures enhance consistency and reduce disputes in trade.
How does YS/T 1093-2024 align with international standards, particularly the EU's?
The new standard covers a broader range of materials and imposes stricter impurity limits than many EU standards, such as EN 13283. This alignment facilitates international trade and ensures that Chinese recycled zinc meets high environmental and quality benchmarks, enhancing its global competitiveness.
What are the implications of the standard's revision for the 'Dual Carbon' goals?
By promoting efficient recycling of zinc, the standard reduces the need for primary ore extraction, which is energy-intensive and carbon-heavy. It also encourages cleaner production processes, contributing to lower greenhouse gas emissions and supporting China's commitment to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2060.
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