Trailer manufacturer Schmitz Cargobull and ZINQ Group, a specialist in hot-dip galvanizing, are collaborating on the development and implementation of a Digital Circular Product Passport (DCPP) in the automotive sector. The cooperation between the two companies aims to gradually transition Schmitz Cargobull's products to a circular economy model.
Longstanding Partnership as a Foundation for Sustainable Innovations
The partnership, which has been in place for nearly a quarter-century, forms the basis for this forward-looking collaboration. The product passport will help make all environmentally relevant data for galvanized steel chassis transparent and traceable, supporting the goals of the EU Green Deal: zero waste, zero CO2 emissions, and zero pollution.
"The DCPP is intended to be applicable across industries. It is being developed with a multi-stakeholder network for universal application in all conceivable sectors of the manufacturing industry," says Lars Baumgürtel.
From Theory to Practice
From 2026, a digital product passport will be mandatory for certain product groups within the EU market. ZINQ had already introduced the prototype of its Digital Circular Product Passport at the end of 2023.
The implementation of the DCPP is supported by direct and indirect participation in funding projects. Baumgürtel expects this to boost the development of circular products and surfaces in vehicle construction.
"As the implementation affects all companies in the DCPP supply chain, the race for Triple Zero in vehicle construction has begun. This will not only enhance the functional benefits of products like trailers but also their ecological benefits through product innovations," explains Baumgürtel.
About ZINQ Group
Founded in 1889 in Gelsenkirchen, the ZINQ Group is a leading company in Europe for the corrosion protection of steel through zinc. As a family-owned business, ZINQ specializes in sustainable surface technologies and operates more than 50 locations in five countries, including Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, and Poland. ZINQ is also actively involved in research and development and hosts the industry's largest R&D center in Gelsenkirchen. The development of resource-saving processes, such as the production of surface technologies microZINQ® and duroZINQ®, which were the first in the world to be awarded the Cradle to Cradle® certificate, reflects ZINQ's commitment to sustainability and the circular economy.
