FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY
How can automotive OEMs calculate the true carbon footprint of the materials that they use in vehicles ? To find an answer to this question , ISMR took part in a roundtable discussion hosted by Outokumpu and its automotive specialists .
According to
Outokumpu and FKA Aachen ’ s latest research to evaluate the carbon footprint of a real-world vehicle component , stainless steel has ‘ the world ’ s lowest carbon footprint compared to standard carbon steel and aluminium during production ’.”
CALCULATING THE CARBON FOOTPRINT
Today ’ s automotive OEMs are placing even greater emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainability for their products . With the global drive towards netzero , designers are looking to optimise the fuel efficiency of their vehicles to keep the carbon footprint as low as possible . One important way to do this is to reduce the weight of the vehicle ’ s structure without compromising on safety or performance . This calls for the use of lightweight materials , combined with innovative design and construction methods .
But how can automotive OEMs calculate the true carbon footprint of the materials that they use in vehicles ? If they are using lightweight materials in vehicle design , then which materials could be used to truly lower the carbon footprint of a vehicle ?
To find an answer to these questions , ISMR took part in a roundtable discussion on 11 September 2024 at the Engine Rooms in East Finchley , London ( UK ), hosted by stainless-steel provider , Outokumpu , and its automotive specialists .
The event focused on the carbon footprint of stainless steel in automotive production and included the corrosion resistance , high strength and energy absorption capabilities offered by the latest generations of specialised stainless-steel grades .
86 | ismr . net | ISMR October 2024