Forging a sustainable future

Steel is vital to modern life. It is strong, durable and fully recyclable, used in everything from buildings and bridges to cars and household appliances. Yet, despite being the most recycled material, steelmaking is responsible for around 7% of global CO₂ emissions.

This is why we are rethinking steelmaking – pioneering innovative solutions to transform one of the world’s most challenging industries into a near-zero emissions sector. Our leadership in this green transformation is driven by a growing demand from industries where decarbonization is becoming a critical priority.

Using HYBRIT^® technology, SSAB is reshaping iron ore-based steel production, eliminating the primary source of CO₂ emissions and replacing it with water as a by-product. SSAB has introduced fossil-free steel as a proof of concept and already delivered pilot batches to selected partners.

SSAB Zero™ is available in various dimensions and grades, making it possible for customers to lower their carbon footprint already today. SSAB Zero™ EPDs provide third-party-verified and transparent data on the environmental impact of SSAB Zero™.

SSAB has introduced groundbreaking initiatives which enable a  sustainable value chain, without compromising on quality or performance. By embracing advanced technologies and forward-thinking processes, we are setting new standards for efficiency, agility, and sustainability in steelmaking – helping to redefine the future of the global industry.

Redefining steel with recycled scrap and renewable energy

SSAB Zero™ represents a breakthrough in sustainable steel production, utilizing electric arc furnaces (EAF) powered by fossil-free electricity and biogas to transform recycled scrap into steel with virtually no fossil carbon emissions.

“By utilizing recycled steel and fossil-free energy, we can make a significant contribution towards decarbonizing the steel industry,” says Thomas Hörnfeldt, Vice President Sustainable Business.

What’s the difference between fossil-free and zero fossil carbon emissions?

SSAB Zero™, made using recycled steel, and SSAB’s fossil-free steel based on iron ore, are both produced with fossil-free electricity and biogas. The limited amount of steel scrap globally, makes both steels essential for the industry’s future. Together they provide a comprehensive offering to companies who want to lower their carbon footprint. 

“Based on the increasing customer demand for steels with low carbon footprint, we can offer unique steels, produced with virtually zero fossil CO₂  emissions,” Hörnfeldt adds. Regardless of the source, SSAB has the most comprehensive offering of steels with low emissions. 

With SSAB Zero™ and the fossil-free steel, SSAB is leading the green transition in the steel indiustry.

The real green solution

In many industries that rely on steel, finding greener alternatives is imperative to combating climate change. 

However, when it comes to SSAB Zero™ and SSAB Fossil-free™ steel, SSAB does not engage in any mass balancing allocation of emission reductions or carbon offsetting activities. The carbon emission reductions are real and tangible. SSAB is completely transparent about any associated carbon emissions, no matter how small. The carbon footprint of SSAB Zero™ is third party verified in our EPDs. 

“We understand that for many of our customers, steel represents a large part of their own carbon footprint, so they need complete transparency,” says Hörnfeldt. “We always ensure our steels are delivered with accurate and reliable values, which our customers can use with confidence in their own footprint calculations.”