We are setting a new standard for sustainable stainless steel with Outokumpu Circle Green – stainless steel with 92% lower carbon footprint compared to the industry average.
Sustainable stainless steel
Leading the industry with the world’s most sustainable stainless steel
Sustainability of stainless steel is an increasingly important aspect both for our customers and the consumers. All the essential applications using stainless steel in our modern world – transportation, buildings, bridges, water pipes, medical uses, food preparation and home appliances – need sustainably produced stainless steel.
Sustainability is the beating heart of Outokumpu
Sustainability is not just a buzz word at Outokumpu, it is at the core of our operations. We are the most sustainable stainless steel producer in the world. 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 new Outokumpu Circle Green product line we are leading the way, and we want to push the whole industry to put more focus on sustainability.
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 stainless steel the most sustainable material choice?
We have the lowest carbon footprint in the steel industry, 70% smaller than the global average.
We are the industry leader with over 90% recycled materials in our stainless steel.
Our stainless steel is 100% recyclable at the end of its life cycle.
You can now get the 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 will start providing a product-specific carbon footprint calculation 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?
Durability, long life, 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.
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.
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.
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.
Green steel of the future – Outokumpu Circle Green
Outokumpu Circle Green is an emission-minimized stainless steel we created to answer the global need for more sustainable and long-lasting products. It has the smallest emission intensity in the world, with a 92% 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.
Buyer's guide
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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!