CO2-reduzierter-Stahl_SZFG_Salzgitter_Flachstahl
The transformation of the automotive industry does not begin with the drivetrain – it begins with materials. A compelling example is the collaboration between Salzgitter Flachstahl and Mercedes-Benz AG, awarded the MATERIALICA Gold Award 2021.
At its core: the development of low-CO₂ steel grades for automotive series production – a crucial step toward a fully sustainable value chain.
Already today, Salzgitter Flachstahl supplies “green” flat steel with a CO₂ footprint reduced by more than 66% to several Mercedes-Benz plants. The material is used in structural and body components, including models such as the C-Class and E-Class – a clear proof of industrial scalability.
However, the long-term vision goes much further. With the SALCOS® project (Salzgitter Low CO₂ Steelmaking), Salzgitter is driving a fundamental transformation of steel production.
The goal: replacing conventional blast furnace processes with hydrogen-based direct reduction. While traditional steelmaking relies on carbon – inevitably generating CO₂ – hydrogen enables a nearly emission-free alternative.
👉 Long-term potential: more than 95% CO₂ reduction
In parallel, low-CO₂ production routes are already in use today. For example, electric arc furnaces based on 100% scrap significantly reduce emissions – to roughly one quarter compared to the traditional blast furnace route.
A key advantage of this approach is its credibility: this is not based on theoretical carbon accounting, but on physically CO₂-reduced steel.
This is verified through the VERIsteel certification by TÜV SÜD, which provides transparent, product-specific emission data. Depending on the product, CO₂ savings between 66% and 75% are already achieved today.
With this collaboration, Salzgitter and Mercedes-Benz set a new benchmark for decarbonizing industrial supply chains – demonstrating how material innovation becomes a key driver of the mobility transition.
The MATERIALICA Design + Technology Award recognizes exactly these kinds of innovations at the intersection of materials, technology and sustainable design .
The MATERIALICA Design + Technology Award 2026 is looking for exactly these kinds of forward-thinking solutions.
👉 Apply now:
https://www.emove360.com/awards/materialica-award/
Whether in Material, Product, Process or CO₂ Efficiency – showcase how your innovation is shaping the future.
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