Environment
SSAB has undertaken to minimize the negative environmental impact of our operations. We work with continuous improvements to minimize emissions and improve material and energy efficiency.
Reduce CO2 emissions
More than 90% of SSAB’s direct carbon dioxide emissions come from our Nordic iron ore-based steel production, mainly from our plants in Luleå, Oxelösund and Raahe. Emissions occur when coal and coke are used as reducing agents. There are limited opportunities to further reduce carbon dioxide emissions from current steelmaking processes, which is the reason behind SSAB’s plan to convert the Nordic plants into electro-steel plants. SSAB’s ambition is to largely eliminate all CO2 emissions from its own operations.
CO₂-efficient steel production
SSAB’s blast furnace-based production is one of the most CO2-efficient in the world, thanks to the use of high-quality iron ore pellets and coke, and efficient processes. In a comparison, our blast furnace-based production of cold rolled steel emits an estimated 6% less carbon dioxide than the European average, and as much as 17% less than the average in China. In the US, our scrap-based steel mills with electric arc furnaces use close to 100% recycled steel as raw material, resulting in much lower direct CO2 emissions than is the case with iron ore-based steel production.
Material efficiency
Lower material consumption means we get more out of less material, resulting in improved efficiency in the use of natural resources. Iron and steel production give rise to a number of residual products. Recirculating these as raw materials reduces the need for virgin material. Materials that cannot be reused internally are processed to residual products and sold externally.
Steel recycling
Steel is unique, as it can be recycled without losing its properties or quality, and it is the most recycled material in the world. One important element of reducing carbon dioxide emissions from steelmaking is optimizing the use of recycled steel in production, to replace iron ore as feedstock. SSAB uses approximately 20% scrap metal in connection with Nordic steel production and almost 100% in the US-based operations.
Climate goals
SSAB commits to reduce absolute Scope 1, 2 and 3 (categories: purchased goods and services, fuel and energy-related activities and upstream transport and distribution) GHG emissions by 47.9% by 2033 compared to the base year 2018. The target is approved by Science Based Targets initiative. As of 2024, SSAB has reduced CO2 emissions by 7.1%, compared to 2018.
Environmental Product Declarations
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a document audited by a third party that has transparent, comparable information about the environmental impact of products from a life cycle perspective. An EPD from SSAB meets international standards and provides objective information that highlights the low carbon footprint of SSAB products. This is also a very good tool for SSAB customers who are wanting to minimize their environmental impact. An EPD reports information from the entire product life cycle. This means that emissions from suppliers are included, as well as the energy used to manufacture the product. There is an EPD available for all SSAB products.
Download CenterEnvironmental Product Declarations SSAB Zero™
SSAB Zero™ is made using recycled steel and fossil-free electricity, biocoal and biofuels. It reduces the embeded CO2e emissions from the steel by up to 77% compared to hot-rolled steel made in SSAB’s blast furnace production system. Without compromising on quality or performance, SSAB Zero™ helps lower the carbon footprint of your construction and manufacturing projects.
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