Product carbon footprint / CO₂ footprint

Understanding CO₂. Verifying sustainability.

Outokumpu Circle Green® sets new standards in CO₂ transparency – with TÜV-tested methodology and specific values per batch. Sustainability must be measurable. Particularly in industrial purchasing, the demand for the specific verification of environmental indicators is growing – in tenders, ESG reports or supply chain verification.

Circle Green® finally makes CO₂ transparent:
Outokumpu is the first stainless steel manufacturer to provide product-specific CO₂ values (PCF) – TÜV-verified and based on continuous production data.

The result: reliable emission values instead of marketing promises – comprehensible for customers, authorities, certifiers and auditors.

One of the most sustainable stainless steels in the world

Outokumpu Circle Green® sets new standards in the stainless steel industry:

Up to 93% fewer CO₂ emissions compared to conventionally manufactured stainless steel
100% recyclable with a best-in-class environmental footprint
Only 0.5 kg CO₂ per kg of stainless steel (global average: 7 kg CO₂/kg)*
TÜV-certified CO₂ reduction that helps companies meet ESG criteria
High material quality: durable, corrosion-resistant and optimally workable

A milestone in sustainability

By using 100% renewable energy and optimising production processes, 95% of all Scope 1 and 2 emissions have been eliminated. For example, Outokumpu uses biogas instead of natural gas and relies on state-of-the-art electric furnace technology with low-carbon energy to further reduce energy consumption. In addition, Outokumpu Circle Green® is made from up to 100% recycled material, which drastically reduces the need for primary raw materials. Outokumpu is also continuously optimising its processes along the entire value chain to further improve sustainability.

Renewable energy

100% recycled material

Optimised production processes

Product-specific CO₂ footprint – precise values, genuine transparency

Outokumpu goes one step further in climate reporting – and is the first stainless steel manufacturer to report a product carbon footprint (PCF) for the majority of its production. The calculation is based on continuously recorded production data and creates a new standard of climate transparency along the supply chain.

For our customers, this means
you no longer have to rely on industry averages. Instead, you receive your own CO₂ certificate for most material batches, which is based on real production data.
This is particularly relevant because many of today’s companies already calculate and report their direct and indirect emissions (Scope 1 & 2). However, for a complete carbon footprint – particularly in Scope 3 – it is crucial to also know the exact carbon footprint of purchased materials. This is precisely where Outokumpu comes in with its PCF approach.

As a manufacturer with a recycling rate of more than 90% in global production, Outokumpu offers ideal conditions for environmentally friendly material procurement. In addition, the company goes beyond the industry standard in its emissions reporting – and covers all three emission categories in accordance with the GHG Protocol.

The PCF calculation methodology has been checked and validated by TÜV – this creates trust and provides a reliable basis for your own sustainability goals, ESG reports and tenders.

Manufacturing process

Sustainability in tenders & ESG

Sustainability is not just a marketing topic – it is part of the regulatory environment. Circle Green® meets key requirements under public procurement law and ESG standards.

With Circle Green®, you can reliably meet the following requirements:

CO₂ value on the manufacturer’s material certificate (e.g. certificate 3.1)
TÜV Süd-verified methodology for credible sustainability data
Product-specific PCF values on request – before ordering
Ideal for ESG reports, net-zero targets, LEED, SBTi, CDP & Minergie-ECO

What this means for you:

Benefits for public tenders in accordance with the PPA
Clear arguments for your sustainable supply chain (Scope 3)
Reporting compliant with GRI, ISO 14040, SBTi or TCFD
Competitive advantage in industries with verified sustainability

Why it matters

More and more purchasers are demanding proof of CO₂ emissions at a component or product level. Circle Green® data provides you with a transparent basis for:

ESG audits and customer requirements
Traceable supply chain documentation
Competitive advantages through proven sustainability

Learn more

Request a CO₂ value for your project in advance

Enquiries

Silvana Bocale-Kast

Head of Sales Sheets&Coils / Site Manager ZH / Sales processes

...... +41 32 366 75 55 get in touch

*Circle Green: Source Outokumpu
Global average CO₂ emissions (2023): 7 kg CO₂ per kg stainless steel (calculated by Outokumpu based on data from CRU, worldstainless and Kobolde & Partners AB). CO₂ emissions from Outokumpu Circle Green: only 0.5 kg CO₂ per kg stainless steel.

The calculations are based on the following four studies (2023): 304 Stainless Steel Carbon Footprint Comparison EU, Indonesia and China (2022), CRU Nickel Market Outlook Data (2022), “The Global Life Cycle of Stainless Steels” (2019) and ISSF Stainless Steel and CO2 (2022).