Espoo - The recent Life Cycle Inventory Study on Stainless Steel Production in the EU shows that Outokumpu stainless steel products have the smallest carbon footprint, in general 10 - 20 percent smaller than the EU average. The good result has been achieved through improved processes but also by optimizing the use of recycled steel and by actively pursuing a low-carbon electricity mix. To further develop Group’s operations in the area of sustainability, Outokumpu publishes a new Energy and low-carbon programme.

In the last ten years Outokumpu has managed to reduce the Group’s direct CO2 emissions by 25 percent per ton of stainless steel produced. To ensure leadership, Outokumpu’s target is a further 20 percent reduction by 2020. Emissions are calculated per ton of steel produced hence highlighting not only the actual reductions but also production efficiency. Outokumpu carbon profile consists of direct emissions from production operations, indirect emissions from purchased electricity as well as emissions resulting from transport of products and business travel. The targeted annual reduction is approximately 370 000 tons of CO2 emissions totalling 2 200 000 tons during the programme period, calculated against current capacity and products.

The primary actions within the programme consist of further improvements in energy efficiency, increasing the share of carbon-free electricity and targeting for efficient and optimal production levels. Additionally air travel offsetting will be implemented for business travelling and sustainable aspects will be integral when planning logistics and transportation.

CEO Juha Rantanen: “Being a global player in an energy-intensive industry means great responsibility and we are making our contribution. The proportion of recycled material in our products is already a lot higher than the global average and our ferrochrome production is a world leader in both energy efficiency and curbing CO2 emissions. The new programme will further emphasize the importance of low-emission energy sources and energy efficiency.”

The Life Cycle Inventory Study on Stainless Steel Production in the EU was carried out in 2009 by PE International. In the study CO2 footprints were established for six common stainless steel products. In these groups the identified minimum values were those of Outokumpu products. The Energy and low-carbon programme can be downloaded from Outokumpu’s websiteOutokumpu’s website.

Outokumpu is said to be global leader in stainless steel and employs some 7 500 people in more than 30 countries. The Group’s head office is located in Espoo, Finland.

Quelle: Outokumpu Oyj

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