Highland Galvanizers putting Scotland on road to circular economy success

Highland Galvanizers, which worked on both the Forth Road Bridge and the new Queensferry Crossing, the Kelpies project and more, is now profiling its work to cut emissions to an audience of international policy leaders.

The company has pioneered a way of re-coating barriers before rust sets in, so that the steel is preserved and can remain in use for at least another 25 more years. This process is currently being piloted in the south east of Scotland, in partnership with Transport Scotland. This could deliver savings of £4 million and 8,200 tonnes of carbon dioxide in the South East over the typical barrier lifetime.

Highland Galvanizers will be among the businesses profiled at the Circular Economy Hotspot, a major international event to showcase Scotland’s progressive approach to developing a circular economy and the best of our burgeoning circular businesses to a global audience. Delegates from 17 different countries are gathered from 30 October to 1 November for the event, which is being delivered by Zero Waste Scotland with partners Circular Glasgow and backed by both the Scottish Government and the European Regional Development Fund.

Today delegates will take part in six sector Discovery Tours. The manufacturing tour will include a visit to Highland Galvanizers, where it will showcase its efforts to cut emissions to an international audience. The other sector tours are Bioeconomy, Circular Economy in the Community, Construction, Food and Drink, and Plastics Solutions.

Iain Gulland, chief executive at Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Making things last is at the heart of the circular economy and Highland Galvanizers are moving into the fast lane of circular thinking with this extremely practical business idea. Their work to extend the lifespan of crash barriers is helping to keep drivers safe while also cutting costs and harmful emissions. This joined up thinking shows the benefits of adopting circular economy approaches and I hope they will prove an inspiration to other Scottish businesses and entrepreneurs and to the international delegates visiting as part of the Circular Economy Hotspot showcase.”

Geoff Crowley, development director at Highland Galvanizers, added: “Corrosion is the enemy of anyone who is trying to make sure that things are built to last. However, not only does galvanizing extend the safe working life of motorway crash barriers, it also delivers cost savings for the public purse and cuts emissions. I’m looking forward to sharing our experiences in the circular economy with guests from across the world.”