SSAB is undertaking a strategic roadmap to revolutionize iron- and steelmaking, and to be the world’s first steel company to deliver iron ore-based fossil-free steel to the market in 2026. This includes an active leadership role in the HYBRIT joint venture initiative with LKAB and Vattenfall. The target is to be fossil free as a company by 2045.
SSAB’s renewed sustainability strategy “With the future in mind” has two main themes: First in fossil-free steel and Leading sustainability performance. The strategy includes goals and targets for both the short and long-term.
SSAB’s blast furnace- based production is among the most CO₂ efficient in the world. This gives a competitive advantage to SSAB and its customers.
The core of SSAB’s business is to develop and produce Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSS) and Quenched & Tempered (Q&T) steels that are stronger than ordinary steels. This in turn helps our customers to produce lighter and stronger products, thereby reducing their environmental footprint.
SSAB works toward a fossil-free steelmaking process through the HYBRIT initiative and by eliminating other fossil related emissions, with a goal to offer fossil-free steel to the market in 2026. In cooperation with LKAB, our iron ore supplier, and Vattenfall our energy provider, we form a fossil-free value chain.
SSAB is determined to be the world’s safest steel company, with the objective of achieving zero accidents, work-related injuries and illnesses. Everyone has the right to a healthy, accident-free work environment in SSAB. We will minimize, as far as possible, health and safety risks everywhere we operate.
For SSAB, circularity is a key factor in increasing efficiency to help mitigate environmental impact. We continuously work to optimize the value of our by-products, scrap and waste, with a focus on sustainability and value creation.
SSAB has approximately 20,000 active suppliers in more than 60 different countries. Suppliers must comply both with SSAB’s standards and with international ethical, social and environmental guidelines in order to remain qualified suppliers for SSAB.
Volvo Group and SSAB have signed a collaboration agreement on research, development, serial production and commercialization of the world’s first vehicles to be made of fossil-free steel. Volvo plans already this year to start the production of concept vehicles and components from steel made by SSAB using hydrogen.
SSAB, LKAB and Vattenfall have commenced building a rock cavern storage facility for fossil-free hydrogen gas on a pilot scale next to HYBRIT’s pilot facility for direct reduction in Luleå, North of Sweden. This is an important step in the development of a fossil-free value chain for fossil-free steel. The investment cost of just over SEK 250 million is divided equally across the holding companies and the Swedish Energy Agency, which provides support via Industriklivet.
SSAB, LKAB and Vattenfall are now taking a new, decisive leap forward in their work to make fossil-free steel for the global market. Industrialization of the technology being developed through HYBRIT will start in Gällivare, northern Sweden, where the world’s first production plant for fossil-free sponge iron – from feedstock to steel – is being planned.
Anti-corruption compliance in business is important. SSAB has implemented clear instructions for our employees in order to guide us through our daily operations and how we act in relation to business partners.
A key element of SSAB’s business strategy is to build a high-performing organization with strong employee engagement globally. SSAB will continue to work with leadership and competence development, and strive to enhance inclusion and diversity in the workforce.