News

ResponsibleSteel: A key pillar of Maxion Wheels’ Responsible Sourcing Policy

At Maxion Wheels, our commitment to sustainability is deeply embedded in our business strategy. As a leading global manufacturer of both aluminum and steel wheels, we understand the critical role we play in the automotive industry and the broader societal impact of our operations. Our annual steel requirement amounts to 800,000 tons, covering our operations across North and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Scope 3 emissions from the steel we purchase make up the largest share of our total emissions at 56%. Reducing these upstream emissions is strategically important to Maxion Wheels’ goal of becoming a net-zero operation by 2040. To this end, we have entered into future partnership agreements with selected steel manufacturers that offer a green vision and a solid decarbonisation strategy. We actively encourage our steel suppliers to offer more sustainable options, enabling Maxion Wheels to develop solutions that fulfil our customers’ expectations.

Strong industry standards and frameworks help unify the supply chain around shared sustainability values. They also make supply chain sustainability governance more efficient and less resource-intensive. The ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard provides a benchmark on sustainable best business practices for the steel industry, and ResponsibleSteel’s Principles align with our own values as well as the expectations we have of our supplier network.

Our responsible sourcing policy reflects this commitment by awarding credit points to steel suppliers in their annual performance rating, if they are members of ResponsibleSteel. We collaborate with steel manufacturers who are committed to reducing their emissions and implementing closed-loop systems. These manufacturers are not only dedicated to minimising their environmental footprint but also to enhancing the overall sustainability of their operations. By targeting these forward-thinking steel producers, we ensure that our supply chain supports our sustainability goals.

Our ResponsibleSteel membership is a testament to our commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing. With our holistic supply chain risk management, we continuously monitor and evaluate our suppliers, recognising and rewarding those who excel in responsible practices.

At Maxion Wheels, we are proud to be at the forefront of this important movement, leading the way towards a sustainable, net-zero future as a proud member of ResponsibleSteel.

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EMSTEEL Achieves ResponsibleSteel Core Site Certification – A First for the MENA Region

Emirates Steel Industries Co. PJSC (EMSTEEL) has earned Core Site Certification under the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard, introducing ResponsibleSteel certification to the MENA region and establishing a key benchmark for the region’s steel sector.

Located in the Abu Dhabi Industrial City, EMSTEEL operates a fully integrated facility producing 4.2 million tonnes of direct reduced iron annually and over 7 million combined tonnes of steel products such as billets, beam blanks, blooms, and reinforcing bars. The audit, conducted by CARES, assessed performance against more than 300 social, environmental, and governance requirements.

Annie Heaton, CEO of ResponsibleSteel, said,“The certification of EMSTEEL marks the arrival of ResponsibleSteel certification in the MENA region and sets an important benchmark for the region’s steel industry. The site certification recognises EMSTEEL’s established governance systems, as well as transparent engagement with a wide range of stakeholders. As a region that plays a growing role in the global steel supply chain, the MENA region is poised to become an important piece of the puzzle in the industry’s transition. This certification not only shows that sustainability standards can be applied effectively across different regions but also reflects the sustained progress being made by companies like EMSTEEL. We look forward to continuing our work with EMSTEEL and other regional leaders on the journey to a more responsible steel value chain.”

EMSTEEL's decarbonisation strategy aims to cut Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 40% by 2030 from a 2019 baseline, more than double the UAE’s 19% reduction requirement, and to achieve net zero by 2050. The company’s five-pillar plan involves carbon capture, 100% clean electricity by 2030, enhanced energy efficiency, increased scrap use, and the adoption of green hydrogen having launched the region’s first hydrogen-based steel pilot project with Masdar in 2023.

Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group Chief Executive Officer, EMSTEEL, commented, “Achieving the ResponsibleSteel™ certification is a proud milestone for us and is a testament to our relentless commitment to sustainability, innovation and responsible growth. As the first company in the MENA region to meet this global benchmark, we’re proud to continue driving national advanced manufacturing goals, while setting industry benchmarks for decarbonising the steel value chain.”

With over 2,700 employees and contractors, EMSTEEL plays a key role in the UAE’s industrial landscape and supports a broad network of stakeholders. Representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, and the local community were consulted as part of the audit, reflecting the company’s ongoing commitment to stakeholder engagement and continuous improvement across the steel value chain.

Take a look at the certificates and public audit summaries here.

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SKF: Advancing decarbonisation through ResponsibleSteel

At SKF, we believe that the journey to net zero must be a collective one, built on shared standards, collaboration across the value chain, and a commitment to continuous improvement. As a global industrial technology leader and significant buyer of steel, purchasing more than half a million tons annually, we recognise the important role we play in supporting the transformation of the steel industry.

Steel is a critical material in our products and represents around 70% of our upstream carbon footprint. In recognition of this, we’ve made the decarbonisation of our steel supply chain a strategic focus. However, we also recognise that genuine progress needs more than internal ambition; it requires industry-wide alignment and credible frameworks to guide action.

That’s why SKF joined ResponsibleSteel. We see ResponsibleSteel as a vital platform for advancing a shared understanding of what responsible steel production looks like - one that integrates environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles with robust standards for emissions and broader sustainability performance. The initiative’s multi-stakeholder governance and assurance frameworks provide the transparency and consistency needed to support informed decision-making and accelerate change.

We are proud to have contributed to the development of ResponsibleSteel’s International Production Standard, which provides a much-needed framework for measuring and improving the climate performance of steel producers. We actively encourage our steel suppliers to engage with the ResponsibleSteel Standard and consider how it can support their own sustainability journeys. Through SKF’s Sustainability Standard for Suppliers, we promote alignment with ResponsibleSteel’s 13 Principles and reporting expectations with steel and steel component suppliers. We believe that by raising awareness and fostering dialogue around ResponsibleSteel’s approach, we can help build momentum for more sustainable practices across the value chain.

In parallel, we are working closely with selected steelmakers to explore and scale low-carbon technologies. This includes partnerships to develop steel made from recycled content and hydrogen-reduced iron (H-DRI), as well as pilot projects that demonstrate the feasibility of greener steel in industrial applications. These collaborations are helping to demonstrate what’s possible and inspire broader adoption across the sector.

We also use our voice to advocate for systemic change. Through our involvement in initiatives such as ResponsibleSteel and SteelZero, we support the development of policy and market mechanisms that can accelerate the transition towards a net-zero steel industry. We believe that demand-side signals from buyers, combined with clear standards and supportive policy, are key to unlocking investment and innovation.

At SKF, we see responsible steel not only as a material choice but as a strategic lever for climate action, resilience, and long-term value creation. We’re proud to stand with ResponsibleSteel and its members in advancing this vision, and we look forward to continuing the journey together.

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ResponsibleSteel publishes verified emissions data: The next step towards transparent, consistent emissions accounting and disclosure

ResponsibleSteel has published verified greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions data from Certified Sites as part of its members’ commitment to transparent emissions accounting and data disclosure.

As pressure for credible climate action grows, clear, consistent and comparable emissions data is essential. It enables steel buyers, investors, policy makers and other stakeholders to effectively assess the emissions performance of steel production sites and make informed decisions, helping to drive progress on industry decarbonisation.

Today, we mark an important early milestone on the journey towards transparent and consistent emissions accounting and data disclosure. Following multi-stakeholder agreement on what is necessary for credible data disclosure as part of the development of the Production Standard, we are now publicly disclosing these GHG data points. But this is just the beginning.

Moving forward, we aim to see wider adoption of ResponsibleSteel’s accounting methodology for the globally comparable metric of cradle-to-crude steel GHG emissions intensity at site level, and more sites working toward achieving ResponsibleSteel Certified Steel. With this shift, we will move towards being able to compare data reliably, enabling like-for-like assessments of emissions performance.

Whilst we are already seeing incremental emissions reductions across some steelmaking sites, in the coming years, we hope to celebrate deeper emissions reductions, verified based on robust, comparable data.

What data are sites required to disclose?

Under Principle 10 of the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard, sites are required to disclose emissions data depending on their level of certification:

Core Site Certification

Sites certified against ResponsibleSteel’s Core requirements must measure, record and verify their total site-level GHG emissions using a regionally or internationally recognised methodology. The site may choose to use the ‘cradle-to-crude’ emissions accounting methodology developed by ResponsibleSteel, but it is not mandatory. Core   Site Certification can apply to steelmaking sites as well as upstream or downstream manufacturing sites in the value chain.

Certified Steel

Sites that have achieved certification against ResponsibleSteel’s Progress Level requirements to market and sell products as Certified Steel must use the consistent ‘cradle-to-crude’ emissions accounting methodology developed by ResponsibleSteel. This enables like-for-like comparison of crude steel GHG emissions intensity across sites globally. Only steelmaking sites can be certified to sell Certified Steel. These sites must disclose their:

  • Crude steel emissions intensity;
  • Proportion of scrap used as metallic input;
  • The Decarbonisation Progress Level achieved; and
  • Product-level carbon footprint data.

All data published on ResponsibleSteel’s website has been independently verified by third-party auditors to ensure accuracy, which is then also reviewed by ResponsibleSteel’s Assurance Panel and Secretariat.

It’s important to note that while disclosing emissions at site level aids in the comparability of data, the Production Standard also permits the disclosure of a weighted average across a portfolio of sites instead, provided the portfolio meets the requirements for a ‘strategic business unit’ as defined in the ResponsibleSteel Glossary.  In some cases, due to the nature of the business unit, a portfolio may consist of both certified and non-certified sites.

Disclosure of portfolio-level data on the ResponsibleSteel website represents a valuable next step and in time, we anticipate more steelmakers will opt to publish site-level data to strengthen transparency, enable clearer insights, and support decarbonisation progress.

Why are there gaps in the data?

It’s important to note that not all data is available yet. This could be because:

  • A site is preparing for an upcoming surveillance or re-certification audit, after which the most recent data will be published; or
  • A site was certified under an earlier version of the Production Standard. Public disclosure of GHG emissions data became a formal requirement with the publication of Version 2.0 of the Production Standard in September 2022. Sites certified under an earlier version are not obliged to publish this data on ResponsibleSteel’s website until it comes time for re-certification.

Working towards transparent, comparable emissions data measurement and reporting

Comparability of GHG emissions data is only meaningful when consistent measurement methodologies are applied. This includes (but is not limited to) aligning on emissions boundaries, the types of GHGs included, the use of default data, and the allocation methods for scrap and co-products.

For this reason, data from Core Site Certifications, while valuable, is not directly comparable across sites, as each may use different recognised methodologies.

To obtain certification to sell Certified Steel, however, sites must use ResponsibleSteel’s methodology to calculate their data, allowing for clear and consistent comparisons between steelmaking sites worldwide.  

To strengthen comparability and accelerate the industry’s transition, ResponsibleSteel encourages all steelmaking sites, whether pursuing Core Site Certification or not, to adopt its emissions accounting methodology and to publish their data.  

Learn more about ResponsibleSteel’s emissions accounting methodology here.  

To explore the data disclosed by ResponsibleSteel Certified Sites, visit our new webpage.

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ResponsibleSteel: How did we get here?

Steel is everywhere. It’s in the buildings we live and work in, the cars we drive, and the wind turbines we’re relying on for a low-carbon future. It’s strong, versatile and essential. But it also comes with a heavy social and environmental footprint, having a profound impact on people and the planet.

As global attention increasingly began to zero in on climate and sustainability issues, industries like agriculture, textiles, and timber began developing standards to measure and improve their impacts. But steel, despite being one of the most widely used and most carbon-intensive materials globally, remained largely outside this conversation. There was no common language, no shared benchmark, and no way of independently measuring industry progress.

An idea takes shape

The concept for a global standard for steel started to take shape between 2011 and 2015, developed initially by the Australian Steel Stewardship Forum. The foundations were laid for an international, non-profit, multi-stakeholder organisation to tackle the most pressing sustainability issues in the steel industry.

By 2015, industry stakeholders, including BlueScope and ArcelorMittal, began coming forward to support the initiative, recognising the need for an independent initiative to drive and measure industry progress. In 2016, the first face-to-face council meetings were held, and the organisation was incorporated as the Steel Stewardship Council.

ArcelorMittal Ghent, image credits to Joe Woodruff

The development of the first Standard

Developing a sustainability standard for one of the world’s most complex industries was no small task. But by 2017, the first working draft of ResponsibleSteel’s Production Standard had been developed using ISEAL’s Codes of Good Practice as a reference.

Over the next two years, input from over 70 organisations and 180 individuals helped shape and strengthen the standard. In 2019, the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard Version 1.0 was approved by both business and civil society members, marking a critical milestone in making responsible steel a global reality.

The first certificates presented to ArcelorMittal sites in Belgium, Germany, and Luxembourg

The first ResponsibleSteel Certified Sites

Within two months of launching the Standard, the first steel sites began the audit process. Despite setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the world’s first ResponsibleSteel certifications were awarded in 2021 to four ArcelorMittal sites in Belgium, Germany, and Luxembourg.

Momentum quickly grew. By 2022, sites in Australia, North and South America, and Asia were certified, and by November, ResponsibleSteel Certified Sites spanned five continents and covered over 100 million tonnes of steel production.

Annie Heaton, CEO of ResponsibleSteel; David Burritt, CEO of U. S. Steel; and Helen Clarkson, CEO of Climate Group at Climate Week NYC 2024. Image credit to Joe Woodruff

Raising the bar: Certified Steel

Even before the first certificates were issued, work had already begun on a more ambitious task to define what truly low-emission, responsibly sourced steel should look like.

This led to the development of rigorous requirements on decarbonisation and materials sourcing. These requirements were refined through member working groups, public consultations, and a 12-month test phase, before being finalised as part of the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard Version 2.1, published in 2024.

Version 2.1 marked the green light for steelmakers ready to take their ResponsibleSteel journey to the next level: Certified Steel. In September 2024, at Climate Week NYC, U. S. Steel’s Big River Steel was unveiled as the first site globally to market and sell Certified Steel.

What’s next?

What began as a small initiative has become a global multi-stakeholder movement. Today, the ResponsibleSteel community numbers over 160 members from across the steel value chain and civil society organisations.

With the support of our members and partners, we continue to work to improve our standards and certification programmes. This includes work on the revision of the Production Standard to ensure it remains aligned with the needs of the industry and our planet, and the development of a Chain of Custody Standard to enable downstream buyers to make credible claims relating to the amount of Certified Steel in their products.

Together, we’re striving to construct an ecosystem to support a positive industry transition by engaging the full value chain, as well as policymakers and finance institutions, and by championing consistent, comparable emissions measurement to support alignment across standards and build a market for low-emission and near-zero steel.

Join the Movement

Steel is at the heart of the global economy – and the climate challenge. The work we do now will shape the industry of the future.

Find out how you can get involved here.

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Holding steel to a higher standard: What is ResponsibleSteel?

Steel is everywhere. It’s in the buildings we live and work in, the cars we drive, the bridges we cross, and the products we use every day. It's an essential material in the modern world and critical to the renewable energy transition.

But steel also comes with a cost. It’s a major source of emissions, contributing to 10% of global energy-related emissions, and the way it’s produced can have serious impacts on local communities and ecosystems. With growing pressure to reduce emissions, improve supply chain practices, and meet evolving regulations, the steel industry faces a huge challenge.

That’s where ResponsibleSteel comes in.

We're a global not-for-profit organisation created to maximise steel’s contribution to a sustainable world. Our mission is to be a driving force in the production of socially and environmentally responsible near-zero steel, steel that buyers and investors can get behind.

ResponsibleSteel supports:

  • Steelmakers to demonstrate good practice on social and environmental issues, and measurable progress on decarbonisation
  • Steel buyers and investors to make informed decisions and reduce risk in their supply chains and portfolios

Together, we have the opportunity to do things differently and support the industry's transition to a responsible, low-emission future.

What we do

ResponsibleSteel is the global standards and certification initiative for the steel industry. Working collaboratively with over 160 members from across the steel supply chain and civil society, we have developed the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard via a process that uses the ISEAL Codes of Good Practice as a reference.

The ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard contains 13 Principles covering key environmental, social and governance issues identified and agreed upon by our members for the responsible production of steel. The Production Standard evaluates the full picture—not just carbon emissions, but also labour rights, human rights, water use, biodiversity, raw material sourcing, and other key issues that affect people and the planet.

Certification against the Production Standard combines all the complexities of good social and environmental performance in one indication. Steelmaking sites must undergo rigorous, third-party audits to become certified, ensuring that a site is meeting the highest environmental and social standards.

Certification provides steelmakers with a clear framework for improvement and helps buyers, investors, and other stakeholders understand whether a site is operating responsibly.

How it works

Certification is broken down into Core Site Certification and Steel Certification, or ‘Certified Steel’.

Core Site Certification against the Production Standard is the first step sites can take on their ResponsibleSteel journey. Sites undergoing Core Site Certification are evaluated against over 300 core requirements, covering the key social and environmental aspects of steelmaking such as pollution, biodiversity, water stewardship, labour rights and local communities. Core Site Certification is a major achievement, requiring commitment at the corporate level and across all of the site’s operations.

Now, steelmaking sites can build on their Core Site Certification, pursuing certification against the Production Standard’s Progress Level requirements for decarbonisation and responsible materials sourcing. The Production Standard defines four Progress Levels for the measurement of decarbonisation and responsible materials sourcing. Steelmaking sites that achieve at least Progress Level 1 for both are able to market and label their products as ‘Certified Steel’.

Why it matters

The need for reliable, consistent, comparable data in the steel industry has never been greater. Governments are introducing stricter climate disclosure regulations. Steelmakers and buyers are under pressure to reduce emissions and meet consumer demand for more sustainable products. And investors want to know which steelmakers are producing responsibly and planning for the future.

Certified Steel helps steelmakers show progress, build trust, and stand out in a competitive market. And it gives buyers and investors the confidence that a site has not only met the strong environmental and social criteria required for Core Site Certification, but is also making measurable progress on decarbonisation and materials sourcing. Certified Steel:

  • Assures that steelmakers are meeting the highest social and environmental standards
  • Offers credible, comparable emissions data to simplify decision-making
  • Reduces supply chain and financial risks, protecting reputation and value

Working together to shape steel’s future

The industry will not transform overnight. And the transition cannot be left to steelmakers alone. Driving progress in the industry will require clear demand signals from steel buyers and backing from investors. That’s why we are working closely with buyers and investors to forge a path to a sustainable future for steel. Together, we’re helping to build a global market that is better for people, for business, and for the planet.

If you want to learn more, get involved, or see how ResponsibleSteel could support your work, we’d love to hear from you. Let’s take steel from strength to strength.

Learn more about ResponsibleSteel standards and certification here.

Are you a steel buyer or investor? Find out how you can get involved here.

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ResponsibleSteel publishes fundamentals for GHG emissions accounting and classification to drive transparency, comparability, and decarbonisation progress

To help improve the accessibility of ResponsibleSteel’s emissions methodology and accelerate robust emissions accounting and reporting, ResponsibleSteel has today published extracts from Principle 10 of the ResponsibleSteel International Production Standard relating to Climate Change and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions.

Importantly, this is not an independent standard against which steelmakers can make certification claims. Instead, ResponsibleSteel's Fundamentals for GHG Emissions Accounting and Classification is designed as a valuable resource for steelmakers, steel buyers, policymakers, investors, and civil society organisations to use as a reference to measure and track progress as the global industry transitions to lower-emission production practices.

The document aims to improve the comparability, consistency and transparency of emissions accounting and reporting across the global steel industry by outlining three of Principle 10’s fundamental components:

  1. ResponsibleSteel’s methodology for the calculation and disclosure of crude steel GHG emissions intensity at the site level.
  2. ResponsibleSteel’s classification system to assess a steelmaking site’s decarbonisation progress.
  3. ResponsibleSteel requirements for GHG emissions intensity declarations at product-level.

ResponsibleSteel’s “Decarbonisation Scale” approach enables all steelmaking sites, globally, to be compared on a like-for-like basis, based on transparent and fair accounting rules. By adopting this approach, the industry has the opportunity to increase the transparency and consistency of emissions data across the value chain, reducing administrative burdens and enabling more effective implementation of decarbonisation policies and mechanisms.

This new publication will be particularly valuable for stakeholders either looking to align with ResponsibleSteel’s approach or to build interoperability between GHG-specific frameworks, regulations, and procurement systems.

It is important to note that no claims relating to ResponsibleSteel certification, or its equivalency, or Decarbonisation Progress Level achievement, can be made based on this document alone. The document only represents a subset of Principle 10, which in full also addresses corporate commitments to the Paris Agreement, climate-related financial disclosures, and additional site-level emissions reductions. Nor does it include any of the other 12 Principles outlined in the Production Standard relating to the responsible production of steel.

We believe that truly responsible steel production requires steelmakers to go beyond decarbonisation and take steps to mitigate other social and environmental impacts. But amidst the growing urgency of the climate crisis, ResponsibleSteel remains committed to supporting global steel decarbonisation through practical tools developed with multi-stakeholder support. This latest publication reflects that commitment to offering robust, credible, scalable tools to accelerate emissions reductions at scale.

For any questions about the use or development of ResponsibleSteel’s Emissions Metrics, please contact standards@responsiblesteel.org.

Learn more about ResponsibleSteel’s Fundamentals for GHG Emissions Accounting and Classification here.

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ResponsibleSteel and LESS aisbl urge robust, scrap-conscious approach to effective European steel decarbonisation 

ResponsibleSteel and the Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS aisbl) today jointly release a new policy briefing, ‘The Steel Decarbonisation Scale’, urging European policymakers to adopt a more robust and realistic approach to steel decarbonisation—one that recognises the physical limits of scrap supply and incentivises genuine emissions reductions across all steel production routes.  

The study highlights that Europe’s steel industry, as the world’s second-largest producer, is responsible for 6% of the European Union’s total emissions. With ambitious EU targets aiming for a 55% reduction in net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050, the way steel decarbonisation is measured and incentivised is of critical importance.  

A key finding of the study is that current policy discussions, including the European Steel and Metals Action Plan (ESMAP) and proposals for voluntary carbon labels for steel, risk undermining climate goals if they fail to account for the fundamental constraints on scrap availability. Despite a high global steel recycling rate of 85%, only about 32% of the world’s demand for new steel can currently be met with recycled scrap due to the long lifetime of steel products, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). While the amount of available scrap is set to increase, the IEA estimates that scrap will still only be sufficient to meet 46% of steel demand by 2050.

“Steel decarbonisation requires an appropriate base for comparing steel products in terms of their global climate impact,” said Dr. Martin Theuringer, Secretary General of LESS aisbl. “Scrap is a valuable and limited resource. Any label or standard that ignores this risks distorting markets and ultimately slowing down the transition to truly low-emission steel. Our approach ensures that both primary and scrap-based production are incentivised to decarbonise, not just to compete for a fixed pool of scrap.”  

ResponsibleSteel and LESS propose the adoption of a “steel decarbonisation scale” that complements traditional carbon footprinting by explicitly accounting for the ratio of scrap and primary iron used in steelmaking. This approach, already recognised by the G7 and incorporated into international standards, would:  

  • Prevent fruitless competition for a limited scrap supply  
  • Incentivise decarbonisation across all steel production routes  
  • Promote technology-neutral, WTO-compliant solutions  
  • Support the competitiveness of European industry while advancing global climate goals  

“A European label for steel is a great opportunity to incentivise steelmakers to become globally competitive on their real decarbonisation progress,” said Annie Heaton, CEO of ResponsibleSteel. “A well-designed classification system will do this by taking into account scrap content in addition to the measurement of steel‘s carbon intensity, recognising that scrap will at best provide half of the world’s steel by 2050. As a result, this ‘steel decarbonisation scale’ approach incentivises investments that drive progress in the steelmaking process itself, whether in primary or secondary iron and steel making.”  

The two organisations call on the European Commission to integrate the steel decarbonisation scale into the development of voluntary labels, lead markets, and investment support mechanisms, ensuring that future measures are effective, fair, and aligned with Europe’s climate ambitions.

Download the briefing here.

Access ResponsibleSteel’s approach to GHG emissions metrics here.

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ResponsibleSteel publishes second annual Progress Report

ResponsibleSteel is fast becoming the reference tool to drive the demand, policy, and finance levers necessary for the steel industry’s transition, providing a sustainability roadmap that customers, communities, investors, and workers can all get behind.

ResponsibleSteel’s annual Progress Report provides an opportunity to measure and report on the progress of our programmes, celebrating our milestones and identifying areas for learning and improvement.

In this second ResponsibleSteel Progress Report, we track the development of new work undertaken in 2024, the growth of ResponsibleSteel's membership, and the progress of our certification programme as we look toward 2030 and beyond.

2024 was a challenging year for the industry, but despite setbacks, we continued to see real determination and progress.

In 2024, we saw a 34% increase in the number of Certified Sites, bringing the total up to 87. And we saw the first sites complete re-certifications, a true testament to the enduring value of ResponsibleSteel certification. Critically, the first Certified Steel was also launched on the market – 2.4 million tonnes produced by U. S. Steel’s Big River Steel site – marking a new era of progress.

This Progress Report examines the growth of ResponsibleSteel’s certification programme and membership in 2024, as well as featuring other highlights from the year, including:

  • The launch of the International Production Standard Version 2.1
  • The launch of a draft Chain of Custody Standard
  • The publication of our report, Charting Progress to 1.5°C through certification
  • Insights into the value of ResponsibleSteel membership and certification from our 2024 Membership Survey

Looking to the future, we continue to build on work begun in 2024 to build a market for responsibly produced, near-zero steel by engaging with and mobilising policymakers, investors, and buyers of steel.

Read the full report to find out more about our progress in 2024 and plans for 2025.

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ERM CVS joins ResponsibleSteel™

ERM CVS is the independent Certification and Verification business within the ERM global sustainability services group with access to a network of 5500 practitioners in 40 countries to deliver innovative 3rd party assurance to manage sustainability challenges.

ERM CVS’ relationship with the metals, mining and manufacturing sectors cuts across all types and size of business and has created an informed and client driven approach. ERM CVS is a long standing provider against many schemes related to the Responsible Steel Standard with access to technical, sustainability and social experts to ensure our outputs reflect the goals of our clients in driving improvements in systems implementation and performance through the value chain.

Mick Jenkins, Managing Partner at ERM CVS, said: “We are very pleased to be able to make an active contribution to the responsible steel market through our independent and impartial services. The scheme links intentionally with our other certification and assurance services towards fuller sustainability sourcing and social balance through the value chain.”

Matthew Wenban-Smith, Executive Director, ResponsibleSteel, said: We are delighted to welcome ERM CVS as a Responsible Steel Associate Member. Ensuring we have a range of certification and verification organisations within our membership is crucial to ensure we get expert input to help us continue to develop the highest quality standard for the steel sector.”

April 28, 2020
2020
News
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SteelZero First Workshop

“SteelZero”, brought to you by The Climate Group and ResponsibleSteel held its first workshop on April 16th. SteelZero is an initiative to drive a major shift in the global market for the responsible sourcing and production of steel. SteelZero provides a forum for leading steel buyers across multiple sectors to co-create and support a powerful commitment to sourcing steel in a net zero economy, alongside a roadmap of action.

This first workshop was attended by a total of 46 individuals, representing 14 demand side businesses and business associations across the following sectors: construction & property, consumer products, automotive, finance and renewable energy. Additionally, 9 civil society organisations were represented to contribute to the conversation.

Key focus areas of the workshop were to explore what a commitment around the procurement of responsible low/zero carbon steel may look like and discuss if there are specific workstreams a group could take on to help make the procurement of responsible low/zero carbon steel a practicality. All participants had the opportunity to actively contribute to smaller group break-out discussions exploring commitments and workstreams.

A number of presentations were given by stakeholders to help shape the discussions. Presenters included the Energy Transitions Commission (ETC) on their Net-Zero Steel Initiative and the World Green Building Council on their Advancing Net Zero project, specifically covering the work both organisations have done regarding demand signals. ArcelorMittal presented the producer’s perspective of issues that need to be overcome to bring responsible low/zero carbon steel to the market and the importance of the demand signal from steel buyers.

There was a very high level of engagement during the workshop from both business and civil society participants. The SteelZero project team gained a clearer understanding of what is required by participants. The next stage is for the project team to have a series of follow up conversations with businesses to shape a formal commitment to the procurement of responsible low/zero carbon steel.”

More to follow on this project as it develops, in the meantime please feel free to have a look through a presentation that can be found here on the ResponsibleSteel website.

April 28, 2020
2020
News
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ResponsibleSteel™ welcomes The Nickel Institute into membership

The Nickel Institute is the global association of leading primary nickel producers. Their mission is to promote and support the appropriate use of nickel in appropriate applications. One of the main applications being its use in the production and strengthening of stainless steel.

While its role is often hidden, nickel is an enabler of many technologies required for sustainability. Nickel contributes to various of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Thanks to its outstanding physical-chemical properties, nickel makes articles more durable, ensures an increased lifetime and results in less maintenance. Due to the high economic value, nickel is moreover a metal with highest recycling efficiencies and contributes therefore to a circular economy.

The nickel value chain is also a significant contributor to economic development. And the science and technical know-how shared freely by the Nickel Institute contribute knowledge to enable nickel to be used safely and efficiently.

“We appreciate the opportunity to join the ResponsibleSteel initiative as an Associate Member. Stainless steel accounts for more than two third of all nickel uses globally. It is therefore important for us – on behalf of our member companies – to closely cooperate with the carbon and stainless steel industry in view of responsible sourcing” said Dr Veronique Steukers, Global Director Public Policy.

Matthew Wenban-Smith, Executive Director, ResponsibleSteel, said: “Having the Nickel Institute as a new Associate Member of ResponsibleSteel is extremely good news – both for the organisation as a whole but also for all of our other members who will greatly benefit from the input and experience that the Nickel Institute will bring to our projects and programmes.”

April 28, 2020
2020
News
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The Climate Bonds Inititive joins ResponsibleSteel™

The Climate Bonds Initiative is an investor-focused not-for-profit, promoting large-scale investment in the low-carbon economy. Climate Bonds carries out market analysis, policy research, market development; advises governments and regulators; and administers a global green bond Standards and Certification Scheme. Please visit http://www.climatebonds.net. ”

“Transitioning to low carbon operations is one of several challenging, but unavoidable sustainability objectives for the global steel industry. ResponsibleSteel is taking a lead in supporting positive change in multiple companies across the sector. Climate Bonds Initiative is happy to join ResponsibleSteel and looks forward to working cooperatively in the future on sustainability projects.” said Sean Kidney, CEO, Climate Bonds

Matthew Wenban-Smith, Executive Director, ResponsibleSteel, said: We are excited to welcome the Climate Bonds Initiative as an Associate Member to ResponsibleSteel. Focusing on the investment and financing opportunities for the steel sector in the transition to a low-carbon economy is a priority for us as we continue to expand our work on our standard and certification programme and associated projects.”

April 28, 2020
2020
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ResponsibleSteel™ welcomes the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) into membership

Established in 2002, the Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA) is the nation’s authority on sustainable buildings, communities and cities. Our vision is for healthy, resilient and positive places for people. Our purpose is to lead the sustainable transformation of the built environment. The GBCA represents more than 550 member companies including major developers, professional services firms, banks, superannuation funds, product manufacturers, retailers, utilities and suppliers. We also work with 35 local government members, 25 state government departments and land organisations, and 22 universities.

Jorge Chapa, Head of Market Transformation said: “ResponsibleSteel is doing some inspiring work to ensure steel is contributing toward a more sustainable built environment. We’re pleased to work with them as we lead the sustainable transformation of buildings, cities and communities.”

Matthew Wenban-Smith, Executive Director, ResponsibleSteel, said: We are extremely pleased to welcome GBCA as an Associate Member of ResponsibleSteel. So much of the work that we are involved in will directly benefit from the GBCA’s specialist experience and expertise in the built environment and we are really looking forward to having GBCA participate in our ongoing work programme and projects.”

April 28, 2020
2020
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BHP joins ResponsibleSteel™

BHP extracts and processes minerals, oil and gas, with more than 72,000 employees and contractors, primarily in Australia and the Americas. BHP is among the world’s top producers of major commodities, including iron ore, metallurgical coal and copper. The company also has substantial interests in oil, gas and energy coal.

BHP’s purpose is to bring people and resources together to build a better world.

The company’s approach to environmental management is based on the robust identification, assessment and control of material risks across all phases of its business, from exploration to development, operation and closure. BHP aims to avoid or, where this is not possible, minimise its impacts, while contributing to lasting environmental benefits across the regions where the company operates.

Fiona Wild, Vice President, Sustainability and Climate Change, BHP, said: “At BHP we take a product stewardship view of how our commodities are used through the value chain. We are pleased to join Responsible Steel and continue to partner with our customers to help improve sustainability and emissions standards in the steel making value chain.”

Matthew Wenban-Smith, Executive Director, ResponsibleSteel, said: “We are delighted to announce that BHP has joined as our newest Business Member. Having one of the largest resource and mining companies in the world as a member sends a very strong signal and commitment to the steel sector to help achieve the responsible sourcing and production of steel. BHP’s membership will ensure that as we further develop our ResponsibleSteel standard to include three additional components: requirements for the responsible sourcing of raw materials; requirements related to the measurement and reporting of GHG emissions and the claims that certified sites can make about the steel products they produce, we will have additional input, expertise and experience from an organisation committed to helping the sector reach higher levels of sustainability.”

April 28, 2020
2020
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ResponsibleSteel™ Steel Product Certification Working Groups

The first meetings of the ResponsibleSteel working groups on steel product claims, greenhouse gas emissions and raw materials all took place on 22 April. The three groups each met in two sessions to allow participation from working group members based in Australia, Europe and the Americas. Working group members then reconvened in joint sessions on 24 April to listen and comment on the headline findings.

All three working groups are considering the requirements that will need to be met in order for claims to be made about the ResponsibleSteel certified status of steel products.

The meetings were originally scheduled to have taken place face to face, but in common with many organisations around the world ResponsibleSteel has had to adapt to the measures being taken to respond to the coronavirus pandemic and implement a virtual process.

Some 60 participants took part across the three working groups, including active participation from mining and steelmaking businesses and interest groups, downstream steel users, civil society organisations, assurance bodies and consultancy organisations. Participants responded to a series of high-level questions that had been introduced in an earlier briefing session on 11 March, and built on their comments on a draft ‘Steel Product Certification Requirements’ document circulated in advance of the meetings.

A recording of the 11 March Briefing session and the accompanying slides are available on the Resources page of the ResponsibleSteel website, together the slides for the working group meetings on 22 April, the headline feedback from those meetings, and the collated anonymised comments submitted in advance of the working group sessions.

The next step in the process will be to publish and circulate a revised draft set of requirements, taking account of the working group feedback, for a formal 30-day public stakeholder consultation. Comments will be welcome from ResponsibleSteel members and non-members alike.

April 28, 2020
2020
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Australian Steel Mill Services joins ResponsibleSteel™

ResponsibleSteel welcomes Australian Steel Mill Services (ASMS) as a new Member.

ASMS is a joint venture between Cement Australia Group and the Edward C Levy Co (USA), providing slag-handling services to BlueScope Port Kembla. ASMS is focused on the sustainable, value-added utilisation of steelmaking co-products into applications such as cement, concrete, civil infrastructure and agriculture.

Mark Cross, General Manager, ASMS, said: “The comprehensive ESG agenda laid out by ResponsibleSteel for industry participants mirrors key areas of focus for ASMS. These include environment, safety and community concerns, as well as the effective utilisation and recovery of resources. ASMS looks forward to participating in the ResponsibleSteel initiative in moving towards the goal of a more sustainable future for our industry.”

Matthew Wenban-Smith, Executive Director, ResponsibleSteel, said: “We welcome Australian Steel Mill Services as a new Member. The involvement of more companies in the Australian steel supply chain will greatly contribute to achieving responsible production throughout the industry, both in Australia and worldwide.”

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April 2, 2020
2020
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Changes to upcoming ResponsibleSteel™ meetings

The health and safety of our Members is of utmost importance and so, like many organisations, we are making some changes to our scheduled meetings, to reduce the risk of infection of coronavirus, and in light of travel restrictions.

The Working Group meetings scheduled for 22 and 23 April 2020 will be held virtually, with the meetings on 23 April rescheduled to 24 April. Participants will be advised how to join the meetings. There will be four sessions in total, with a morning and evening session on both days, in order to cover most time zones.

22 April 8:00am – 10:00am UK Summer Time: Three separate working group meetings (GHG, Raw Materials, Steel Product Claims) to take place in parallel, Session 1

22 April 5.00pm – 7.30pm UK Summer Time: Three separate working group meetings taking place in parallel, Session 2, starting with 30 minute resume of Session 1 progress.

23 April: No meeting. The Secretariat will collate and circulate developments from 22 April, for discussion the following day.

24 April 8:00am – 10:00am UK Summer Time: Combined group meetings to take place, Session 1

24 April 5.00pm – 7.30pm UK Summer Time: Combined group meetings to take place, Session 2, starting with 30 minute resume of Session 1 progress.

There will also be a virtual replacement for the Members’ meeting in June. Please keep 24-26 June free for virtual meetings of the Working Groups and Members. More details will be announced in due course.

We are considering organising an in-person Members’ meeting in the second half of the year, and will review and update on the situation as it develops.

We wish all our Members and friends well, personally and professionally, during these challenging times.

Photo credit: worldsteel library

March 23, 2020
2020
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Multi-stakeholder panel on the impacts of the coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic

The coronavirus Covid-19 pandemic is affecting people, businesses and organisations in every country of the world.

We invite ResponsibleSteel members and stakeholders to hear our board members Alan Knight of ArcelorMittal, Gerry Tidd of BlueScope Steel, Giulia Carbone of IUCN) and Matthias Hartwich of IndustriALL discuss how the crisis is impacting on their own organisations, how they are responding, and their thoughts for the future.

The webinar panel discussion will take place on Tuesday 31st March from 8.00am to 9.00am British Summer Time (9.00am to 10.00am Central European Summer Time).

Call-in details to follow shortly, if you are not a member of our mailing list and would like an invitation please use the contact details below.

If you have any questions please get in contact with George Deslandes (Operations Coordinator), gdeslandes@responsiblesteel.org.

March 23, 2020
2020
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International Tin Association joins ResponsibleSteel™

ResponsibleSteel welcomes International Tin Association as a new Associate Member.

The International Tin Association (ITA) is dedicated to supporting discussion and action on important regional and global issues affecting the tin industry. ITA brings together the world’s major tin producers to ensure an innovative, competitive, and sustainable tin supply chain that contributes to sustainable development and improved quality of life.

ITA’s leading responsible sourcing initiatives, including ITSCI and the tin Code of Conduct, help companies source minerals by embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations into their decisions and practices.

Kay Nimmo, Head of Sustainability, International Tin Association, said: “Tinplate is an effective packaging material in which tin protects steel against corrosion and contributes to the preservation of food. We are delighted to partner with ResponsibleSteel in its mission to maximise steel’s contribution to a sustainable society. This partnership demonstrates the leadership of both organisations to inspire and drive sustainable and ethical production in the metal sector.”

Matthew Wenban-Smith, Executive Director, ResponsibleSteel, said: “It is important to collaborate with members from every stage of the steel supply chain and we welcome International Tin Association as a new Associate Member. We recognise ITA’s focus on responsible sourcing initiatives and the Code of Conduct, which complements the ResponsibleSteel Standard.”

March 16, 2020
2020
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Challenge Sustainability joins ResponsibleSteel™

ResponsibleSteel welcomes Challenge Sustainability as a new Associate Member.

Challenge Sustainability provides consultancy services to international companies on sustainability strategy, reporting and communications. The organisation has extensive experience working in the steel sector and other related industries, and has been involved in the development of the ResponsibleSteel Standard.

Jon Woodhead, Director, Challenge Sustainability, said: “We see the ResponsibleSteel Standard as an important opportunity for steel sector companies to demonstrate how they are working to meet the sustainability challenges associated with the responsible sourcing and production of steel. We expect that the ResponsibleSteel Standard will support core business success for steel sector companies.”

Matthew Wenban-Smith, Executive Director, ResponsibleSteel, said: “We are delighted to welcome Challenge Sustainability as a new Associate Member and look forward to benefitting from the organisation’s expertise.”

March 16, 2020
2020
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