[ Sustainability ]
[ Sustainability ]
And in January 2026, Outokumpu initiated collaboration with Norsk e-Fuel to convert carbon side streams into eSAF( sustainable aviation fuel). Assuming all lights are green, production could start in 2032 with Outokumpu providing carbon monoxide from its ferrochrome production as a feedstock for the annual production of 80,000-100,000 tons of eSAF. As a bonus, this project could also contribute to the EU’ s targets for the clean energy transition and increase the EU’ s resilience and strategic independence through strengthening domestic fuels supply. In Asia Posco has plans to further evolve its FINEX fluidized-bed reduction technology( its first commercial plant started up in 2007). Based on the direct use of iron ore fines and non-coking coal, FINEX eliminates the coke-making and sintering processes, critical steps in the conventional blast furnace process. The result, Posco states, is lower production costs and reduced environmental emissions. Almost twenty years on, Posco now intends to develop hydrogen reduction ironmaking technology – HyREX. The intention is to replace all FINEX unit processes that generate carbon dioxide with systems that use hydrogen and electricity. Step one involves substituting the coal-based BX melter gasifier with an electric smelting furnace. Ultimately, Posco aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. Positive news from Tubacex’ s seamless stainless-steel tube plant. Through the
“ Green steel technology works. Now we have to ensure maintenance organizations are ready to keep it working,” says Michael Finn. Illustrative image.
EU-funded iWAYS project, Tubacex is deploying next-generation technologies that recover heat, water, and materials from industrial processes— without stopping production for a single hour. For example, a new heat pipe condensing economiser is capturing waste heat from company furnaces and reintroducing it into the production cycle, significantly reducing gas consumption and carbon dioxide emissions. In parallel, advanced membrane-based treatment systems are being tested to recycle up to 95 % of industrial wastewater— a breakthrough for the steel industry. Early data shows a reduction of more than 30 % in pollutant emissions, the reuse of over 60 % of water from flue gases, and recovery of up to 80 % of process heat.
Setting the framework The ambition amongst governments and other authorities to push forward with sustainability initiatives in steel is evident. Consider a March 2025 document on‘ The State of the European Steel Transition’, which unites a positive message together with a wake-up call in a single paragraph:“ There is a clear pathway to green steel. Nearzero emissions steel production will be driven by green hydrogen-based direct reduced iron with EAF, maximising
Fundamental research into sustainable stainless
Scientific research looking to address sustainability and prevent emissions during the production of( stainless) steels is underway worldwide. The following are just a few of the many recent technical articles to have appeared in print.
Green production of an Fe – Cr – Ni alloy This January 2026 article in the Journal of Alloys and Compounds presents many interesting highlights: development of a co-processing approach for metal recovery and waste detoxification; 95 %-plus metal recovery rate achieved by reducing stainless steel dust with aluminum dross; a high-value material obtained in the form of carbon-free Fe – Cr – Ni alloy.
Unexpected VOC emissions in stainless steel production Atmospheric Environment, Volume 368( March 2026), featured an article on:‘ Unexpected larger emissions of nonmethane volatile organic compounds( NMVOC) in Chinese stainless steel than carbon steel production: insights from field measurements.’ The authors note that:“ Through field measurements, this study provides valuable insights for development of NMVOC emission control strategies.”
Full circle: how stainless steel substrates could contribute to green hydrogen production The future of sustainable( stainless) steel could depend on a successful ramp-up of green hydrogen production. Interesting therefore to read about an improved photoelectrochemical process in Surface and Coatings Technology, Volume 522, February 2026. First because the authors conclude that Ga-doped ZnO systems could be considered strong candidates for future solar hydrogen production applications. And second, because stainless steel was used as the substrate.
www. stainless-steel-world. net Stainless Steel World May 2026 17