SSAB
Zero-carbon steel from Sweden
SSAB is a Stockholm-based steel company that builds a stronger, lighter and more sustainable world through value added steel products and services. Working with partners, SSAB has developed fossil-free steel and plans to create a carbon-zero value chain from the mine to the end customer. In doing so, it will largely eliminate carbon dioxide emissions from operations in around 2030. It was formed in 1978, with the largest shareholders, LKAB and the Government of Finland.
SSAB focuses on developing environmentally friendly and energy-efficient steel solutions. In 2021, SSAB produced the first steel manufactured without the use of fossil fuels. Created with a process using hydrogen instead of traditional methods that require the coking process, the first fossil-free steel was delivered to Volvo on a trial basis.
Here are some examples of SSAB’s sustainable innovation initiatives:
- Green Steel Production: SSAB is actively working on reducing the carbon footprint of steel production. They are pioneering the use of fossil-free steel production technologies, such as the *HYBRIT initiative, in collaboration with partners. HYBRIT aims to replace traditional blast furnace ironmaking with a process that uses hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources, resulting in a significant reduction in CO2 emissions.
- Advanced High-Strength Steels: SSAB has developed a range of high-strength steels with improved properties, such as high strength-to-weight ratio and enhanced formability. These steels enable the production of lighter and more fuel-efficient structures, contributing to lower energy consumption and reduced greenhouse gas emissions across industries like automotive, construction, and transportation.
- Life Cycle Assessments (LCA): SSAB conducts comprehensive life cycle assessments to evaluate the environmental impact of their products throughout their entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life recycling. This information helps SSAB identify areas for improvement and develop sustainable steel solutions that minimize environmental impact.
- Circular Economy Initiatives: SSAB actively promotes circular economy principles by supporting the recycling and reuse of steel. They offer services for the collection and recycling of steel products, such as steel scrap and end-of-life steel structures. By facilitating the circularity of steel, SSAB helps reduce waste generation and conserve resources.
- Sustainability Certifications: SSAB’s products, including their advanced high-strength steels, have received various sustainability certifications. For example, their products have been certified by the International EPD System, which verifies the environmental performance of products based on life cycle assessments and transparency criteria.
- Research and Development Collaboration: SSAB collaborates with research institutions, universities, and other stakeholders to drive sustainable innovation in the steel industry. They actively engage in research projects and partnerships to develop new technologies, processes, and materials that contribute to a more sustainable and efficient steel sector.
By embracing sustainable innovation, SSAB aims to provide steel solutions that enable their customers to meet their sustainability goals and contribute to a more sustainable future. Through initiatives like green steel production, advanced high-strength steels, life cycle assessments, circular economy practices, and research collaborations, SSAB demonstrates its commitment to driving positive change in the steel industry.
*In 2016, SSAB, LKAB (Europe’s largest iron ore producer) and Vattenfall (one of Europe’s largest energy companies) joined forces to create HYBRIT – an initiative that endeavors to revolutionize steelmaking. Using HYBRIT® technology, SSAB aims to replace coking coal, traditionally needed for ore-based steelmaking, with fossil-free electricity and hydrogen. The result will be the world’s first fossil-free steelmaking technology, with virtually no carbon footprint. Our goal is to reduce Sweden’s CO2 emissions by 10% and Finland’s by 7%.