Outokumpu, a supplier of stainless steel, and Grundfos, a Danish manufacturer of pump and water solutions, have announced a collaboration focused on reducing carbon emissions through the use of low-emission steel. As part of the agreement, most of the standard stainless steel provided by Outokumpu to Grundfos will be replaced with Outokumpu Circle Green®, which has a carbon footprint reportedly up to 93% lower than the global industry average.
The Finnish low-emission steel is used in Grundfos’ energy-efficient and water-saving pumping solutions, and already this year, approximately 90% of the Outokumpu steel used in Grundfos’ production will be Outokumpu Circle Green® stainless steel.
“Remaining competitive and accelerating the green transition is fundamental to Europe’s future. Stainless steel is the most versatile industrial material and heavily needed for applications including clean energy and water solutions, playing a vital part for innovation and technological progress. Europe needs frontrunner companies throughout the value chain to drive the green transition forward. With our long-term customer Grundfos, we share the same ambition and commitment to Science-Based Targets and decarbonization goals, and we are happy to support their next step in sustainability by significantly reducing emissions from the company’s entire supply chain and solutions,” says Jörg Müller, Head of Sales for Stainless Europe at Outokumpu.
According to the companies, approximately 90% of the stainless steel used in Grundfos’ production processes this year will be Circle Green
Grundfos focuses on developing water technologies that aim to address global water scarcity, a challenge linked to factors such as climate change, population growth, and urbanization. The company designs pump systems intended to enhance water and energy efficiency, as well as technologies for wastewater treatment and reuse. These systems rely on materials like stainless steel to meet environmental performance standards.
“Grundfos actively seeks partners with the same commitment to sustainability and climate resiliency to make an even bigger impact in solving the world’s water and climate challenges. Ultimately, our long-term goal is to decarbonize our supply chain. Partnering with Outokumpu and switching to green steel is Grundfos’ first tangible effort in our supply chain decarbonization program. It will significantly contribute to lowering our own carbon footprint and helping our customers lower their footprint as well,” says Ulrik Gernow, COO and EVP at Grundfos.
Outokumpu Circle Green® includes product-specific carbon footprint calculations and is currently being used by over 40 companies across Europe and Asia.
