To remind the world that ‘rust never sleeps,’ the Association for Materials Protection and Performance (AMPP) will celebrate World Corrosion Awareness Day on April 24 to recognize the impact corrosion prevention and control professionals make and promote sustainable management practices for critical industrial assets like energy infrastructure, transportation infrastructure, water/wastewater and waterways, the shipping industry, defense assets, and more.

Previous studies conducted by AMPP, a global nonprofit representing more than 32,000 members in the materials, corrosion control and coatings industries, have shown that the cost of corrosion tops 3.4 percent of the global gross domestic product (GDP). That’s more than US$2.5 trillion globally. 

“Annually on World Corrosion Awareness Day, AMPP members and AMPP chapters from around the world host activities like seminars, conferences, webinars, contests and student events to educate government officials, the industry and the public about corrosion and corrosion control,” said Amir Eliezer, chair of the AMPP Board of Directors. “This day is meant to encourage the adoption of corrosion prevention strategies to reduce the economic and social costs associated with corrosion.”

Employing corrosion control practices is projected to lower the global cost of corrosion by some 15 to 35 percent, saving $375 to $875 billion per year.

“These significant cost reductions are in addition to the many unquantifiable environmental and public safety benefits that result from long-term, predictable asset integrity,” said Alan Thomas, AMPP CEO. “The many professions that focus on corrosion control are responsible for preventing catastrophic failures that can result in risks to public safety, lost productivity, environmental degradation, or fatalities.”

Learn more about corrosion mitigation and materials protection on the AMPP website, www.ampp.org.