Today, the metals industry, and especially the steel industry, is working hard on a historic technological transformation, meant to generate production processes not only more effective but also sustainable.
It is also a reality that the reduction in CO2 emissions is much more than a commitment: it is an industry goal with positive actions already taking place.
Sustainable steel
Steel can be found in practically all areas of modern life, and in 2019 alone it is estimated that around 240 kg of steel were produced for every person in the world. It is also estimated that at least 6.7% of CO2 emissions in the world come from the steel industry, while that figure is only 1% in the United States.
That is why the sector demands a real and tangible change with real actions that help develop cleaner and more environmentally friendly processes, producing steel in sustainable and responsible ways, with the US continuing to lead the way.
EAF: a sustainable way of producing steel
Electric Arc Furnaces are an alternative to significantly decrease CO2 emissions via electrification, unlike other traditional methods that can generate up to 400% more emissions.
Today, at least 70% of steel companies in the United States employ EAF technology, which allows them to operate in a more efficient, greener and safer way, also thanks to automation.
However, this reality contrasts with the rest of the world, where only 25% of the steel producing mills make use of this type of technology.
Tidbits on sustainability in the steel industry:
- Steel is 100% recyclable.
- The US Geological Survey reports recycled steel consumption in America was equivalent to more than 115,500 tons every day for the first half of 2022..
- 99% of steel co-products can be recycled.
- The steel produced by EAF generates 75% less CO2 emissions.
- 17 million cars are recycled by the EAF steel industry.
- At least 90% of the water used in EAF steel mills is cleaned and returned to the environment or reused in the operation.