Top 10 low-carbon steel producers

Steel is one of the world’s most carbon-intensive materials, responsible for ~8% of global emissions. But as regulatory pressure mounts, customers demand greener supply chains, and green premiums emerge, a growing number of producers are proving that steel doesn’t have to come with such a heavy carbon cost.

Electric arc furnace (EAF) technology, scrap-based production, renewable energy sourcing, and efficiency innovations are redefining what’s possible in steelmaking. With mechanisms like the EU CBAM and UK CBAM on the horizon, and consumer scrutiny intensifying, producers that can demonstrate verifiable low-carbon operations are securing a commercial edge.

Here, we profile 10 of the world’s leading low-carbon steel producers, with a spotlight on the assets, strategies, and certifications placing them ahead in the race to decarbonise.

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1. Schmolz + Bickenbach Group

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At its Finkl Steel Sorel Forge facility in Tracy, Québec, Schmolz + Bickenbach benefits from one of the cleanest electricity grids in the world, powered predominantly by hydroelectricity. The facility uses electric arc furnace (EAF) technology and a high share of recycled scrap, significantly lowering its carbon intensity compared to integrated steelmaking routes. Located within a province with emerging carbon disclosure policies and growing demand for low-carbon metals, this asset is well-positioned to serve buyers seeking green steel alternatives in North America and Europe.

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2. AFV Beltrame Group

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With operations across Italy, France, and Switzerland, AFV Beltrame Group produces long steel products using EAFs and a scrap-based input mix. Its plants — including Trith Saint Léger (France), Vicenza (Italy), and Gerlafingen (Switzerland) — are strategically located in countries with decarbonisation mandates and high consumer awareness of embodied carbon. Beltrame is also pursuing innovative clean energy options, such as hydrogen trials and carbon capture feasibility studies, while participating in regional green steel certification efforts. Its vertically integrated approach and strong ESG credentials make it a frontrunner in low-carbon rebar and merchant bar production.

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3. ArcelorMittal

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ArcelorMittal’s Luxembourg-based plants in Esch-Belval and Esch-Differdange produce low-emissions steel using EAF technology and a high proportion of scrap. As part of the company’s broader "XCarb" initiative, these assets contribute to ArcelorMittal’s goal of delivering certified green steel across European markets. The company is investing heavily in hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (DRI) and smart carbon technologies, and has already introduced green steel certificates backed by verified emissions data. With CBAM on the horizon, ArcelorMittal’s Luxembourg facilities offer a proven pathway to Scope 1 and 2 emissions reductions within the EU.

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4. Gerdau

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Gerdau’s Selkirk mill in Manitoba, Canada, benefits from a decarbonised provincial power grid, powered predominantly by hydropower, and uses EAFs to produce long steel products. With a business model based on recycling, the mill processes significant volumes of ferrous scrap, giving it a substantially lower carbon footprint than integrated mills reliant on coal. Gerdau has also committed to science-based targets and is investing in digital tools and energy optimisation technologies to drive further emissions reductions. Its Canadian operations are well-suited to meet growing demand for low-carbon steel from automotive and construction buyers.

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5. AZA

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Chilean steelmaker AZA operates two EAF-based plants in Colina and Renca, producing long steel from nearly 100% recycled scrap. This circular production model, combined with operational efficiencies, has enabled AZA to achieve the lowest documented emissions intensity in Chile. The company is powered largely by a grid with increasing renewable penetration and has made substantial progress toward full certification of its carbon footprint under international standards. With a strong circularity model and regional leadership in decarbonisation, AZA is emerging as Latin America’s most advanced low-carbon steel producer.

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6. Ivaco Rolling Mills

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Ivaco’s L’Orignal facility in Ontario, Canada, uses electric arc furnace technology and is powered by a grid that is ~90% emissions-free — largely hydro and nuclear. The mill produces high-quality wire rod products from recycled scrap and has implemented energy efficiency measures to further cut emissions intensity. Ivaco’s vertical integration with its own steelmaking operations helps reduce transport-related emissions, and its proximity to US and EU buyers makes it well-placed to meet increasing low-carbon procurement requirements.

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7. Aperam Stainless

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Aperam’s Châtelet (Belgium) and Genk (Belgium) operations produce stainless steel using EAFs and a scrap-intensive feedstock, drastically lowering the emissions profile of their production. The company’s European footprint benefits from relatively clean power grids — which it supplements with onsite renewables — and tight environmental regulations. Aperam is a strong participant in the circular economy, sourcing over 85% of its input from recycled stainless scrap and committing to carbon neutrality by 2050. Its stainless products are increasingly marketed under green branding backed by lifecycle analysis and carbon footprint certification.

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8. TYASA

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TYASA’s Orizaba steelworks in Veracruz, Mexico, produces a diverse range of flat and long steel products. The company relies heavily on scrap-based production, with its wire rod line confirmed at 100% recycled content. TYASA leverages energy-efficient processes such as its Castrip thin-strip casting technology to reduce energy intensity. Positioned to serve growing demand in construction, automotive, and industrial sectors across North America, TYASA’s scrap-based model and regional supply chain alignment make it a noteworthy player in the shift toward lower-carbon steel.

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9. Badische Stahlwerke (BSW)

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Badische Stahlwerke’s Kehl plant in Germany is a benchmark for low-carbon steel production in Europe. Operating exclusively with electric arc furnace (EAF) technology and a high proportion of recycled scrap, BSW has embedded circularity at the core of its business model. The plant is powered by Germany’s increasingly decarbonised grid, and has partnered with Koehler Paper and the Port of Kehl on a 2025 wind energy feasibility study to reduce grid reliance. The facility prioritizes compressed air efficiency and rolling mill optimizations. Positioned within the EU, BSW is well-prepared for CBAM and growing customer demand for certified low-carbon steel.

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10. Feralpi Siderurgica SpA

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Feralpi’s Lonato del Garda facility in Italy specialises in producing low-carbon long steel using EAF technology and nearly 100% scrap inputs. The plant is part of Feralpi Group’s broader decarbonisation strategy, which includes ISO 50001-certified energy management, investments in renewable electricity sourcing, and SBTi alignment. Feralpi has also pioneered circular economy initiatives, including the reuse of by-products and collaboration with local industries to optimize resource efficiency. With Italy’s industrial sector facing increased climate disclosure requirements, Feralpi’s proactive emissions reduction measures and transparent reporting position it as a leader in sustainable steel production for European construction and infrastructure markets.

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Emissions transparency is reshaping steel markets

These producers show that low-carbon steel is no longer just a future ambition. It’s already being delivered at scale through circular inputs, clean energy, and transparent emissions data.

As procurement teams, investors, and regulators tighten expectations, steelmakers with verifiable low-carbon credentials will be best positioned to capture green premiums, maintain market access, and meet evolving disclosure obligations.

How does your steel supply chain compare?CarbonChain’s platform provides asset-level emissions data across global steel production — helping businesses benchmark suppliers, manage CBAM exposure, and meet customer demand for low-carbon materials.

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