Lloyds Engineering Works Limited, a leading Indian engineering and manufacturing company, has announced a strategic initiative to manufacture acid-less steel pickling systems using The Material Works’ proprietary EPS Gen 4 technology. This development marks a significant advancement in sustainable steel processing and reinforces Lloyds Engineering Works’ commitment to environmentally responsible industrial solutions.
Steel pickling is a critical process in steel manufacturing, traditionally involving the use of strong acids to remove scale and impurities from steel surfaces. While effective, conventional acid-based pickling poses environmental, safety, and waste management challenges. By adopting EPS Gen 4 technology, Lloyds Engineering Works aims to offer an innovative, chemical-free alternative that delivers high-quality surface treatment while significantly reducing environmental impact.
The EPS (Electrolytic Pickling System) Gen 4 technology developed by The Material Works enables the removal of oxide scale from steel surfaces without the use of acids, using advanced electrochemical processes. The technology offers multiple benefits, including reduced hazardous waste, lower water consumption, improved worker safety, and a smaller carbon footprint compared to traditional pickling methods. It also supports consistent surface quality, which is critical for downstream applications such as coating, galvanizing, and cold rolling.
Under this collaboration, Lloyds Engineering Works will manufacture and supply complete acid-less pickling systems incorporating EPS Gen 4 technology for steel producers in India and international markets. The company will leverage its strong engineering capabilities, manufacturing infrastructure, and project execution expertise to deliver customized solutions tailored to customer requirements.
The initiative is well aligned with global trends toward green manufacturing and circular economy practices in the steel industry. By eliminating the need for acids and reducing effluent treatment requirements, EPS Gen 4-based systems can help steel manufacturers lower operating costs while improving compliance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
For The Material Works, the collaboration enables broader commercialization of its advanced pickling technology through a trusted manufacturing partner with deep domain expertise. The partnership is expected to accelerate adoption of acid-less pickling solutions across integrated steel plants, cold rolling mills, and specialty steel producers.
The manufacturing of these systems by Lloyds Engineering Works also supports the Government of India’s Make in India initiative by localizing advanced industrial technologies and reducing reliance on imported equipment. Additionally, the project is expected to create skilled employment opportunities and promote knowledge transfer in advanced electrochemical processing technologies.
With growing emphasis on sustainable steel production globally, Lloyds Engineering Works’ move to manufacture EPS Gen 4-based acid-less pickling systems positions the company at the forefront of next-generation steel processing solutions. The initiative underscores its vision to deliver high-performance engineering systems that meet the evolving needs of the steel industry while contributing to a cleaner and safer industrial future.
