How recycled steel helps create a green supply chain
By incorporating SSAB Zero™ steel into their heat exchangers, Alfa Laval aims to reduce emissions from raw materials and accelerate the journey towards producing the world's first carbon neutral heat exchanger.
Alfa Laval, a global leader in industrial equipment within the areas of heat transfer, separation, and fluid handling, aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. This will require new innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions throughout the value chain. To help achieve this, the company formed a partnership with SSAB in 2022, with the aim of producing the first ever heat exchanger made with fossil-free steel.
Alfa Laval has now broadened the partnership and will begin using SSAB Zero™ in its heat exchangers. SSAB Zero™ is made from recycled steel and produced using fossil-free energy, meaning it has zero carbon emissions (less than 0.05 kg CO2e emissions per kg steel in scope 1 and 2) in operations, including purchased energy and transportation.
"By incorporating recycled steel in our heat exchangers, we are not only reducing our own carbon footprint but also driving the entire value chain towards a cleaner and more sustainable future,” says Thomas Møller, President of the Energy Division at Alfa Laval.
According to Alfa Laval’s calculations, using SSAB Zero™ for its heat exchangers frames will reduce the product’s carbon footprint by up to 40 percent compared to a similar specification. In addition, Alfa Laval is also incorporating recycled carbon black in the heat exchanger's gaskets. This will result in further carbon emission reductions for a complete unit.
"By using zero-emission steel in our heat exchangers, we drive the entire value chain toward a more sustainable future.”
Thomas Møller, President Alfa Laval Energy Division
“This is a journey, and we are constantly exploring how we can incorporate sustainable materials in more components,” says Thomas Møller. “Over time, we are of the opinion that zero-emission materials such as fossil-free steel will become the new standard in the industry.”
Initially, up to 100 heat exchangers will be produced this year – and significantly more in the coming years. “Once ready and delivered these heat exchangers will be installed in industrial processes and enable efficient heat transfer in applications ranging from HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) to green hydrogen production,” adds Thomas Møller. “Just imagine the impact of heat exchangers using zero-emission materials, that also make global industries more energy efficient.”
More partners on SSAB Zero™
Other partners are also using SSAB Zero™. Read more on why and how.
The next generation of recycled steel
We are taking the next step towards a more sustainable future.
What is SSAB Zero™ ?
SSAB Zero™ is steel made from recycled steel. It has near zero emissions during steel production, without mass balancing allocation of emission reduction or carbon emission offsetting.
Is SSAB Zero™ fossil free?
SSAB Zero™ is a near zero-emission steel in ironmaking, steelmaking and rolling, but not completely fossil-free, as the raw material is scrap. The recycled steel was originally produced with coal and fossil fuels.
How is SSAB Zero™ steel produced?
The first step in making SSAB Zero™ is to feed the electric arc furnace (EAF) with scrap. Heat is generated from an electric arc between electrodes. Oxygen is blown into the furnace, and lime and slag foamers are added to combine with the impurities and form slag. Molten iron is extracted and poured out via a tapping spout. Across the entire process, only fossil-free electricity and fuels will be used – resulting in SSAB Zero™ steel as the end-product.
When will SSAB Zero™ be available to the market?
The first launch of SSAB Zero™ steel products will commence in 2023 and the order of product roll-out will be defined by the requests from our customers. It is SSAB’s ambition to have a large range of our steel grades available. Your sales contact will be able to advise more specifically about your business needs.
As a customer, what are the advantages and disadvantages of SSAB Zero™?
The primary advantage of SSAB Zero™ is that it is a steel that has created near zero carbon emissions from fossil fuels in SSAB’s own operations. It leaves fossil fuels in the ground; this means that you and your end-users become part of an emission-free value-chain. The only disadvantage of SSAB Zero steel is that start-up production costs are higher, making it more expensive to produce and so it has a higher cost price.
How can I find out more about SSAB Zero™?
If you cannot find the information you are looking for here, please contact us here. Or get in touch with your SSAB sales contact directly.
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