Looking further on: lower-carbon products and the importance of a holistic view
In a recent blog post, which you can read here, we talked about our ongoing steel journey and the offering of ventilation products in Recycled 75 steel. We also mentioned the fact that global steel production is expected to increase significantly in the coming decades. By 2050, the need for steel is expected to be covered by approximately 50% with recycled steel, while the other 50% is expected to be virgin steel. Moreover, recycled steel is not available in all steel qualities.
This makes it clear that we cannot solely rely on recycled steel for the foreseeable future. We must look at alternative options, and so we have.
At Lindab, near-zero steel is a collective term used for various initiatives related to steel produced with the goal of significantly reducing emissions from the steelmaking process. One example is a process where hydrogen replaces coal and coke in the refining of iron ore. Renewable energy is used to produce hydrogen from water through electrolysis, with water as the by-product instead of large amounts of CO₂. The resulting sponge iron can then be melted in an electric arc furnace powered by fossil-free electricity, resulting in steel with a dramatically lower climate impact.
Another approach is to replace the traditional blast furnace route with direct reduction and electric arc furnaces. Lindab is working with several European initiatives regarding near-zero steel to access pilot deliveries and secure full volumes as soon as possible.
It is important to note that the terms “near-zero” and “fossil-free” refer specifically to the steelmaking process and do not apply to the entire value chain or the finished product.
So how about the products? Will they all be produced using the same type of steel in the future? The answer is no. We will choose the material that is most suitable for each product. This depends on availability and technical aspects, as not all products can be manufactured using recycled steel. The right product in the right material remains the basic idea.
With all this being said, it is of the utmost importance that a low climate impact from the materials we choose is accompanied by energy efficiency and the fact that our products deliver a great indoor climate. This holistic view of our sustainability work is key to making sure that the sum really is greater than its parts. We cannot focus more on one part and forget the other, because then we will not build sustainable properties over time. It is all part of the sustainable equation.
Read more about decarbonised steel here.
Contact
Matilda Isaksson
Group Sustainability Manager