RHEINZINK is a natural material produced from the trace element zinc. The material has a natural surface that develops a patina. This patina makes the material nearly completely maintenance-free for several generations. RHEINZINK is 100% recyclable after its useful life. Furthermore, comparatively little energy is required for its production.

RHEINZINK has a good energy balance rating. The material can be produced with comparatively low energy consumption. A 40% proportion of recycled zinc is added to the primary zinc, in particular due to the proportion of secondary material from scrap resulting from RHEINZINK production, which reduces energy consumption considerably.

Recent investigations have demonstrated the durability of RHEINZINK roofing and facade cladding. A technical service life of approx. 75 years is estimated. For this to be achieved, the roof structure must be planned in line with current standard structural requirements and correctly processed by a specialist professional.

Over the years, all kinds of substances collect in roof drainage systems, some of which can stress the material and adversely affect its service life. A mean service life of approx. 40 years is estimated according to recent studies, even taking environmental conditions approx. 20 years ago into account, which were considerably worse.

RHEINZINK material that is removed after its useful life can be almost 100% recycled via the scrap metal trade. This closed-loop material cycle has been established and working reliably for many years. The proportion of recycled material is over 90%. One reason for this is the high residual material value of up to 55–60% of the original material price, which is a strong incentive to collect scrap and waste materials.

The current proportion of zinc recycled in RHEINZINK production is 100%. All production waste is collected and all of it is reused, This system is monitored by our integrated quality and environmental management process in line with DIN EN ISO 9001:2015 and DIN EN ISO 14001.

The proportion depends on the availability of primary material. The current proportion of secondary material in our preliminary product of primary zinc is 10%. This means that 30 cm of a 3-m gutter has already been used for a zinc product in the past, statistically speaking.

New zinc deposits have been the subject of research for many decades. The data available today indicates that zinc resources should cover zinc requirements for at least the next 700 years, without taking recycled zinc scrap into account.

Zinc is used in many applications from car tyre manufacturing, paints, bathroom fittings, door fittings, toys and cosmetic products to. All of us come into contact with zinc on a daily basis; it is in our shampoo when showering in the morning,  medications, in zinc ointments with wound-healing properties, for example.

Zinc is present in foodstuffs as a vital trace element. One kilogram of beef contains 25–50 milligrams of zinc; one kilogram of oats contains 70–140 milligrams. On average, humans require approx. 10–15 milligrams of zinc a day to support vital bodily functions, such as forming enzymes, growth development and tissue repair etc. Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers are advised to consume up to 25 milligrams of zinc per day

The material zinc is automatically classified as a heavy metal due to its specified weight of over 5 grams per cubic centimetre. However, this weight classification does not automatically mean that zinc is classified as a toxic substance. Unlike mercury or cadmium, zinc is not stored in the body when consumed through food, for example. Excess zinc that the body produces does not require metabolic processes for removal and is excreted naturally. Basically, life is not possible without zinc.

The filtration of rainwater is subject to increasing scientific investigation. The precautionary approach to water pollution protection and groundwater protection apply. If rainwater from zinc surfaces is added to a filtration system, the zinc ions bind to organic particles, such as dust, leaves and debris where these byproducts and other substances are bound together in the groundwater and recharge. Where necessary, filtration systems are available for use in special geological regions. Obtaining permission for use of filtration system is a mere formality if official regulations are complied with.

Rainwater drained via RHEINZINK roof drainage products is mainly channelled via the sewer system. Today, many local authorities require decentralised disposal of rainwater. This is often achieved by using in filtration basins, dry wells and underground drainage systems. In some regions, additional filters are used to clean rainwater due to the geological situation. We can provide you with informative information on this subject.

RHEINZINK material is available through local stockists.