What "Zero Emission Steel" Really Means, And Why You Shouldn't Buy the Hype

Steel built the modern world. Skyscrapers, bridges, cars, energy grids. But it also contributes up to 8% of global CO₂ emissions.

Everyone agrees this must change. And yes, serious progress is being made. But the rise of “green,” “fossil-free,” or even “zero-emission” steel claims? That’s where truth gets slippery, and buyers get misled.
There’s currently no universal standard or regulation defining what counts as “green” steel. As a result, some companies are making claims that are misleading or overly optimistic.

The Hard Truth: Zero-Emission Steel Doesn’t Exist (Yet)

If someone’s selling “zero-emission” steel today, they’re not selling steel. They’re selling storytelling. Real decarbonization is technical. Measurable. Slow. Marketing isn’t.

Here’s how to see through the spin:

1. What Emissions Are They (Conveniently) Ignoring?

Often, companies highlight one small part of the process, like renewable electricity used in production, while ignoring other significant emissions. This selective focus can lead to misleading statements that make it seem like the entire product is emissions-free.

“We use 100% renewable electricity.”

Sounds good. But that’s just Scope 2 – the emissions from electricity use.

What about:

• Scope 1 – On-site combustion (e.g., natural gas, process heat)?
• Scope 3 – Everything upstream: mining, transport, machinery, supply chain?

Most “green” claims highlight one clean corner of the process. But steel is made across dozens of emission points.

2. Are Offsets Doing the Work?

A common trick: Buy carbon credits. Then claim, “net zero.”

But: Offsets don’t reduce emissions. Most aren’t tied to verifiable impact. They're often a cheap shortcut to greenwashing.

3. Is there real data to back it up?

Look for third-party verified documents like Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). These offer transparent data about a product’s environmental impact. If a company has EPDs for its steel, check the actual numbers, not just the marketing claims. And if you’re unsure how to interpret them, there are resources and guides (like ours) to help you understand what they really mean.

The Steel Industry Needs Honesty. Not Hype

"Zero-emission steel" is a goal. Not a present-day product.

And every time a supplier misleads the market, it delays real progress.

In short: Be critical. Ask questions. Demand transparency. The journey to green steel is real and necessary, but we're not there yet, and honesty matters along the way.