ASSDA Member Outokumpu is leading the way in producing emission-minimised stainless steel, with its Circle Green product line boasting a 92% lower carbon footprint than the global average.
As the only stainless steel producer currently approved by the Science Based Target initiative (SBTi), Outokumpu is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by 42% from 2016 levels by 2030, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050.
One of the key factors in Outokumpu’s low carbon emissions is the high utilisation of recycled materials, achieving 95% recycled content in its stainless steel in 2022. Outokumpu also benefits from having its own chromium mine and ferrochrome production, further reducing its carbon footprint by 42% compared to the industry average.
Outokumpu’s approach includes full transparency, reporting emissions for all Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions for 
every product. This transparency supports customers in achieving their emission reduction goals and contributes to Outokumpu’s long-term sustainability strategy. The company delivers product-specific carbon footprint data based on continuous production data, allowing customers to manage their CO2 emissions more effectively.
The Circle Green product line stands out for its unprecedented emission reduction, achieved through meticulous production and quality optimisation, along with the use of biogas, biodiesel, biocoke, and low-carbon neutrality. This innovative approach has enabled Outokumpu to reduce 95% of all Scope 1 and 2 CO2 emissions in its production process. Importantly, while the global average for CO2 emissions is approximately 7 tonnes per 1 tonne of stainless steel produced, Circle Green has achieved an industry-leading reduction to just 0.5 tonnes of CO2 per 1 tonne of stainless steel. This means Circle Green customers can cut CO2 emissions by at least 50% compared to conventional stainless steel offerings, delivering a clear and measurable step toward effective CO2 management.
Circle Green’s low-emission stainless steel has already garnered significant interest from customers, particularly in the consumer goods and automotive industries, where sustainability is increasingly becoming a procurement criterion. The first batch was delivered to Fiskars Group for use in cookware products, and demand is growing in both European and US markets.
Outokumpu’s approach to carbon emission reduction did not require significant investments in new assets but rather a selective approach to raw materials, fossil-free energy use, and careful production control. What sets the company apart is its unique position as the only major stainless steel producer with direct ownership of a chromium mine and ferrochrome production facility. Paired with access to fossil-free electricity in the Nordics, this advantage places them at the forefront of sustainable stainless steel production.
Looking ahead, Outokumpu aims to integrate sustainability and carbon footprint considerations into every procurement decision. The company is planning a significant investment in a biocoke and biomethane plant, which could further reduce CO2 emissions by over 200,000 tonnes per year and increase self-sufficiency in energy in Finland.
Outokumpu’s persistence and determination to cut carbon emissions demonstrate its commitment to a cleaner, greener stainless steel sector. By focusing on sustainability, Outokumpu is paving the way for a world that lasts forever.
This article is adapted from the cover story of the March 2024 issue of Stainless Steel World Magazine.
Photo credit: Outokumpu.
This article was featured in Australian Stainless Magazine 81.