Carbon footprint comparison with our competitors

Most steelmakers are just now discovering electric arc furnaces (EAF). Many are touting scrap-based production as an innovation. For us, it’s history.

We commissioned our first EAF in 1940. Since 1987, 100% of our steel has been made from scrap using EAFs, decades before “green steel” became a marketing term.

Now, we’re lowering our emissions further by using renewable electricity, slashing emissions by 20 to 35 %, depending on the steel grade.

Because of this long-standing commitment to efficient EAF production, our standard steel already has a significantly lower carbon footprint—comparable to or better than many of today’s “green” brands. To back this up, we’ve gathered publicly available data from Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) published by various steel producers and compared it to our own. 

Here's how we measure up (or down)

SIQUAL 0577, hot rolled plates

*EPD does not clarify the specific steel grade or brand. Based on the information given (chemical composition) we conclude that it is low carbon steel, with higher manganese content, comparable to SIQUAL 0577 (W. Nr. 1.0577).

Though the product description implies the EPD can be used for structural, high-strength and wear-resistant steel, the chemical composition does not support this claim.

Competitor B

*The EPD provides information that the data can be used for low alloy structural steels. Based on our understanding, we conclude it is similar to SIQUAL 0577 (W. Nr. 1.0577).

Competitor C

*EPD gives information for low carbon steel.

The competitor does not offer a green steel brand.

A quick note on comparison methodology:

Steel is not a single, uniform product. Emissions vary significantly between different types. For example, stainless steel requires more alloying elements and processing, resulting in higher emissions than carbon steel. Likewise, the final product form (such as cold-rolled sheets versus forged round bars) also impacts the carbon footprint. For a fair comparison, it is essential to consider comparable grades.

However, it is often difficult to find fully comparable data (i.e., the same steel grade, form, and dimensions). Additionally, not all EPDs clearly state which type of steel was used. In such cases, we rely on supplementary information (e.g., chemical composition) to determine the steel grade. As a result, there may be minor deviations.

We only compare data for steel grades with verified EPDs. This comparison will expand as our EPD library grows.