SSAB has undertaken to minimize the negative environmental impact of our operations. We work with continuous improvements to minimize emissions and improve material and energy efficiency.
More than 90% of SSAB’s direct carbon dioxide emissions come from our Nordic iron ore-based steel production, mainly from our plants in Luleå, Oxelösund and Raahe. Emissions occur when coal and coke are used as reducing agents. There are limited opportunities to further reduce carbon dioxide emissions from current steelmaking processes, which is the reason behind SSAB’s plan to convert the Nordic plants into electro-steel plants. SSAB’s ambition is to largely eliminate all CO2 emissions from its own operations.
Lower material consumption means we get more out of less material, resulting in improved efficiency in the use of natural resources. Iron and steel production give rise to a number of residual products. Recirculating these as raw materials reduces the need for virgin material. Materials that cannot be reused internally are processed to residual products and sold externally.
Steel is unique, as it can be recycled without losing its properties or quality, and it is the most recycled material in the world. One important element of reducing carbon dioxide emissions from steelmaking is optimizing the use of recycled steel in production, to replace iron ore as feedstock. SSAB uses approximately 20% scrap metal in connection with Nordic steel production and almost 100% in the US-based operations.
SSAB commits to reduce absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 (categories: purchased goods and services, fuel and energy-related activities and upstream transport and distribution) GHG emissions by 47.9% by 2033 compared to the base year 2018. The target is approved by Science Based Targets initiative. As of 2024, SSAB has reduced CO2 emissions by 7.1%, compared to 2018.
SSAB has taken a strategic decision to rebuild the Nordic production system and accelerate the green transition. The ambition is to largely eliminate carbon dioxide emissions in our own operations.
The background to the strategic decision is the strong growth in demand for fossil-free steel from SSAB’s customers.
In order for SSAB to be able to implement the ambition, the necessary infrastructure needs to be in place on time, especially access to fossil-free electricity.
