SSAB and Wibe Group in partnership on fossil-free steel

2024-06-25  

As part of the commitment, Wibe Group will start to receive small batches of steel produced without carbon emissions in 2026, with volumes scaling-up annually as SSAB’s fossil-free production capacity increases. By using the fossil-free steel material, Wibe Group will be able to reduce the carbon emission footprint by up to 90% on the respective products.

“This is an important and major step in our sustainability journey,” says Patrick Arcidiacono, CEO of Wibe Group. “This initiative from SSAB does not only align with our vision but also with our owner Storskogen’s goal to reach net zero by 2045.”

“We are happy to welcome Wibe Group as a fossil-free partner,” says Thomas Hörnfeldt, VP of Sustainable Business at SSAB. “Traditional steel production represents a significant source of global CO2 emissions. By changing the way steel is produced, SSAB wants to cut emissions and create a fossil-free value chain with customers and partners.”

SSAB works with iron ore producer LKAB and energy company Vattenfall as part of the HYBRIT initiative to develop a value chain for fossil-free iron- and steel production, replacing the coking coal traditionally used for iron ore-based steelmaking with fossil-free electricity and hydrogen. This process virtually eliminates carbon dioxide-emissions in steel production. SSAB began delivering pilot shipments of fossil-free steel in 2021 and launched its second emission-free product SSAB Zero, based on recycled scrap, in 2023. The company aims to scale up production of its carbon emission-free offering in 2026.

“At Wibe Group, the core value 'Together we win' is not just a motto — it's a guiding principle that underpins every aspect of our operations,” says Patrick Arcidiacono. ”We believe that by fostering strong partnerships and collaboration with all our stakeholders, we can achieve greater success in our shared mission to create a sustainable world for future generations."