Outokumpu products' carbon footprint smallest in the EU - new energy and low-carbon programme to secure leadership
PRESS RELEASE
February 1, 2010 at 9.30 am EET
The recent Life Cycle Inventory Study on Stainless Steel Production in the EU shows that Outokumpu stainless steel products have the smallest carbon footprint, in general 10-20% smaller than the EU average. The good result has been achieved through improved processes but also by optimizing the use of recycled steel and by actively pursuing a low-carbon electricity mix. To further develop Group's operations in the area of sustainability, Outokumpu publishes a new Energy and low-carbon programme.
In the last ten years Outokumpu has managed to reduce the Group's direct carbon dioxide (CO2 ) emissions by 25% per ton of stainless steel produced. To ensure leadership, Outokumpu's target is a further 20% reduction by 2020. Emissions are calculated per ton of steel produced hence highlighting not only the actual reductions but also production efficiency. Outokumpu carbon profile consists of direct emissions from production operations, indirect emissions from purchased electricity as well as emissions resulting from transport of products and business travel. The targeted annual reduction is approximately 370 000 tons of CO2 emissions totalling 2 200 000 tons during the programme period, calculated against current capacity and products.
The primary actions within the programme consist of further improvements in energy efficiency, increasing the share of carbon-free electricity and targeting for efficient and optimal production levels. Additionally air travel offsetting will be implemented for business travelling and sustainable aspects will be integral when planning logistics and transportation.
CEO Juha Rantanen: "Being a global player in an energy-intensive industry means great responsibility and we are making our contribution. The proportion of recycled material in our products is already a lot higher than the global average and our ferrochrome production is a world leader in both energy efficiency and curbing CO2 emissions. The new programme will further emphasize the importance of low-emission energy sources and energy efficiency."
The Life Cycle Inventory Study on Stainless Steel Production in the EU was carried out in 2009 by PE International. In the study CO2 footprints were established for six common stainless steel products. In these groups the identified minimum values were those of Outokumpu products.
The Energy and low-carbon programme can be downloaded from Outokumpu's website www.outokumpu.com
For more information please contact:
Juha Ylimaunu, Senior Vice President - Environment, Health & Quality Management, tel. +358 9 421 2688, mobile +358 40 501 8856
Mikko Rintamäki, Vice President - Energy, tel. +358 9 421 2040,
mobile +358 40 558 2289
Outokumpu is a global leader in stainless steel with the vision to be the undisputed number one. Customers in a wide range of industries use our stainless steel and services worldwide. Being fully recyclable, maintenance-free, as well as very strong and durable material, stainless steel is one of the key building blocks for sustainable future. Outokumpu employs some 7 500 people in more than 30 countries. The Group's head office is located in Espoo, Finland. Outokumpu is listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki.
www.outokumpu.com