FOCUS ON MATERIALS
Stainless steel building.
75 % lower carbon footprint than the industry average, we support our customers to reduce their emissions. Together, we are working towards a world that lasts forever,” it told ISMR.
Lifecycle cost analysis
“ The survey, which was conducted in May 2025, reveals that one in four organisations now name lifecycle cost( LCC) as the principal reason to choose stainless steel, with almost half( 40 %) saying they now run LCC analyses. Price is still a key factor in material selection, but use of methodologies that factor in longerterm value is growing, especially in Europe,” said Outokumpu.
“ LCC is becoming increasingly important as organisations seek to reduce not just financial outlay but also environmental impact. Corrosion, for example, is a major contributor to long-term maintenance and replacement costs across sectors. Globally, corrosionrelated losses are estimated to exceed US $ 2.5 trillion annually, with significant climate implications due to the need to replace degraded materials. Factoring these costs into planning through LCC analysis helps organisations to make smarter, more sustainable choices— often revealing stainless steel as the more competitive option over time,” it added.
“ Nearly 60 % of respondents believe that stainless steel now offers better overall value than substitutes and well over half say that its high scrap value contributes to offsetting higher upfront cost,” it continued.
“ The move towards lifecycle-cost analysis signals a broader shift in how organisations assess material value. While stainless steel may sometimes have a higher upfront cost, its longevity and low associated maintenance often make it a smarter long-term investment. Organisations also increasingly recognise its role in reducing Scope 3 emissions and supporting sustainable operation. As a result, the metal is being adopted more widely— and across new sectors, serving as a cornerstone of the circular economy,” said Britta Warnke, VP Commercial, Outokumpu.
Expanding beyond traditional niches
Combining durability, corrosion resistance, strength and recyclability, stainless steel is well positioned to meet the materials challenge facing a world impacted by climate change, rapid population growth and tighter environmental regulation.
Its use is now expanding, with new applications seen in several spheres from EV battery boxes, hydrogen plants and solar farms to urban flood defences, port infrastructure, defence systems and even next‐generation space technology.
“ In line with this, the research also reveals strong momentum in demand, with twothirds of respondents expecting to increase stainless steel intake over the next five years. The mid-to-long-term demand surge is driven by stainless steel’ s expanding role beyond traditional niche industries. More extreme temperatures, flooding and other weather events are placing infrastructure under unprecedented strain, making stainless steel’ s corrosion resistance and strength more valuable than ever— from use for bridges and coastal defences to tunnels and skyscrapers. Its recyclability and long-life cycle reinforce its role in building resilient, low-impact infrastructure,” commented Outokumpu.
Stainless steel for the circular economy.
The metal is also gaining prominence in defence and aerospace, as security concerns drive military investment.
“ The EU’ s € 800-billion ReArm Europe plan, which prioritises resilience and sustainable materials, is set to boost demand for advanced stainless grades that extend asset lifespans and support the shift to low-carbon military infrastructure. From reusable rockets to energy-efficient surveillance systems, stainless steel is proving essential where durability, heat resistance and circularity are critical. At the same time, electric vehicle manufacturers are increasing stainless steel use to enhance fire safety in operation— further cementing its role in the future of mobility,” added Outokumpu.
Stainless steel for mobility
In June this year, Outokumpu and Alstom entered a partnership for the supply of Outokumpu Circle Green ® stainless steel. The first delivery is scheduled for 2026 and will be used in the latest generation of the ALSTOM TM Metropolis TM metro cars. The partnership supports both companies’ ambitious climate targets and SBTi commitment, and contributes to Europe’ s goal of becoming climate-neutral by 2050.
“ Remaining competitive and accelerating the green transition is fundamental to Europe’ s future. Stainless steel is the most versatile industrial material, heavily needed for transportation solutions to reduce emissions and playing a vital part also for innovation and technological progress …… The Circle Green contract with Alstom is, volume-wise,
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