Sustainable stainless steel

As industries and consumers seek climate-smart solutions, the demand for sustainably produced stainless steel is growing. From bridges and buildings to water systems, medical tools, and everyday appliances, stainless steel plays a vital role in modern life. With its durability, recyclability, and low carbon footprint, Outokumpu’s stainless steel helps build the infrastructure of a more sustainable future while supporting decarbonization across sectors and enabling the global green transition. 

Sustainability is the beating heart of Outokumpu

Sustainability is not just a buzz word at Outokumpu, it is at the core of our operations. Our stainless steel has 75% lower carbon footprint compared to the global average – making us the industry leader. We are the only stainless steel producer to have its climate targets approved by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) and our reporting follows the international standards, covering scopes 1, 2, and even the difficult-to-achieve 3.

And we are not stopping there. By 2030, we aim to reduce our total emission intensity by 30% from 2020, bringing the reduction total to 42% from the 2016 baseline. With our pioneering Outokumpu Circle Green(R) products we are leading the way, and we want to push the whole industry to put more focus on sustainability.

We operate at the core of the circular economy. Our main raw material is recycled steel and we have 95% recycled content in our stainless steel. The high recycled content enables us to have the lowest carbon footprint in the industry.

Most importantly, we want to help you achieve your sustainability targets and emission-reduction goals. Together we can fight against climate change and create a world that lasts forever. 

What makes Outokumpu's stainless steel a sustainable material choice?

75 percent

Low carbon footprint

We have the lowest carbon footprint in the steel industry, 75% smaller than the global average.
Recycled proportion 90

High recycled content

We are the industry leader with over 90% recycled content in our stainless steel.
100 percent recyclable

Endlessly recyclable

Our stainless steel is 100% recyclable at the end of its life cycle.

Product specific CO₂ footprint by grades

We are committed to helping our customers reduce climate emissions from transportation, heavy industry, infrastructure, and everyday life. We have already previously offered environmental product declarations (EPDs) and LEED fact sheets , but as part of our ambitious climate actions, we have started to provide product-specific carbon footprint calculations for our customers – as the first stainless steel producer in the whole industry.

Calculating carbon footprints is never an easy task and there is a growing need for more detailed information. By giving out ready-made calculations for our products – CO2 footprint by grades – we aim to make your product’s CO2 footprint calculations easier.

In addition to customer value, the product-specific carbon footprint brings full transparency to the sustainability work we are doing.

 

Why you should choose stainless steel as a sustainable material?

Building and infrastructure

Durability and low maintenance

Stainless steel is a durable and versatile material for buildings, containers, façades, and many other uses. When you select the right grade for the right setting, it can be practically maintenance free for decades, which is very useful especially in heavy industry, marine industry, as well as marine structures and other buildings.
Eternity

Lightweight, needs less material and less processing

When the material needs to be lightweight but still durable and sustainable, stainless steel is the answer. Especially in the mobility and transport industry, where each saved gram in the vehicle means savings in fuel consumption and other materials as well.
CarbonFootprint

Low life cycle costs and low carbon footprint

Stainless steel requires very little maintenance during its life cycle, which translates to savings in maintenance materials and labor. The low carbon footprint also helps industries meet their sustainability targets.  
EPD

Comes with certified data and environmental certificates

The production of Outokumpu stainless steel is transparent and our materials come with certified data and environmental certificates. This helps our customers calculate their own scope 3 emissions, which are especially important for many companies operating in the energy sector, for example.
Steel of the future

Outokumpu Circle Green®

Outokumpu Circle Green is the first near-zero stainless steel we created to answer the global need for more sustainable and long-lasting products. It has 93% lower carbon footprint than the global average and 64% lower than Outokumpu’s regular production – which is already the current sustainability leader in the industry.

Read more about Circle Green

Buyers' guide

Buying sustainable stainless steel: Five things you need to know

This buyer's guide explains what the buyers of sustainable stainless steel would need to take into consideration when choosing between different suppliers. 

Download to read more

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