Ovako further reduces emissions at its Boxholm facility with a rebuilt furnace

Ovako has passed yet another important milestone on its journey toward a more sustainable steel-making future. In the summer of 2024, the furnace at its Boxholm facility in Sweden that heats steel to rolling temperature was rebuilt, enabling the fuel to be switched from oil to operation with a more environmentally friendly fuel.

The new furnace is now powered by an oxyfuel mixture of oxygen and propane. This change from oil not only reduces carbon emissions but also halves the energy consumption.

The switch to this new fuel will also enable a future transition from propane to fossil free hydrogen produced by the electrolysis of water, making the process even more environmentally compatible – a goal that Ovako aims to achieve for all of its furnaces.

The 5 million Euro investment is part of Ovako’s long-term strategy to reduce its climate footprint and create a sustainable steel industry for future generations.

This is also a clear example of Ovako’s commitment to responsible and long-term steel production and underscores the company’s leadership in the sustainable transformation of the steel industry.

At the end of March 2025, an inauguration of the new furnace at Ovako's Boxholm facility is planned to celebrate and highlight that Ovako has taken yet another step in reducing its carbon emissions.

The inauguration marks an important milestone in our sustainability efforts, one that Ovako’s management and employees wish to share with more stakeholders.

A press invitation will be sent out later.

For journalists and media representatives interested in attending the inauguration, please contact Jonna Stenström jonna.stenstrom@ovako.com, Communicator SmeBox, for more information.

At Ovako, we specialize in clean, high quality engineering steel tailored to the needs of customers in the bearing, transport, and manufacturing sectors. Our high-quality steel, based on 97% recycled steel, not only ensures lightweight and resilient products but also enables more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions. With 2600 dedicated employees and a global presence spanning over 30 countries, along with approximately EUR 1.1 billion in sales, Ovako, a subsidiary of Sanyo Special Steel and a proud member of Nippon Steel Corporation, stands at the forefront of the steel industry. Our purpose is clear: Together we create steel for a decarbonized society. Discover more about our innovative solutions at www.ovako.com, www.sanyo-steel.co.jp, and www.nipponsteel.com