SteelNews.com Article
Outokumpu Products Have Small Carbon Footprint
Feb. 3, 2010 Outokumpu cites the recent Life Cycle Inventory Study on Stainless Steel Production in the EU showing that its stainless steel products have the smallest carbon footprint, in general 10 to 20% smaller than the EU average. This is the result of not only improving its processes, according to the company, but also optimizing the use of recycled steel and actively pursuing a low-carbon electricity mix.
The company also publishes a new Energy and Low-carbon Program.
Outokumpu notes that in the last 10 years it has reduced the Group's direct CO2 emissions by 25% per tonne of stainless steel produced. The company targets a further 20% reduction by 2020.
The company’s 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 tonnes of CO2 emissions totaling 2,200,000 tonnes during the program period, calculated against current capacity and products.
Primary actions within the program consist of further improvements in energy efficiency, increasing the share of carbon-free electricity, and targeting for efficient and optimal production levels. Air travel offsetting also will be implemented for business traveling, according to Outokumpu, and sustainability will be integral when planning logistics and transportation.
"Being a global player in an energy-intensive industry means great responsibility, and we are making our contribution,” said CEO Juha Rantanen. “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 program 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. CO2 footprints were established for six common stainless steel products. Outokumpu notes that the identified minimum values in these groups were those of its products.
Outokumpu is a global leader in stainless steel, with customers in a wide range of industries. The company employs some 7500 people in more than 30 countries. The Group's head office is located in Espoo, Finland.