An Ambitious Pact for Industrial Decarbonization

Outokumpu and Grundfos, two European giants in metallurgy and water technology, have embarked on a strategic collaboration to drive down carbon emissions across global supply chains. At the heart of this alliance is Circle Green®, Outokumpu’s revolutionary stainless steel that features a carbon footprint up to 93% lower than the global average. The new material will now form the backbone of Grundfos’ core manufacturing, replacing standard steel in nearly 90% of its production line. The move represents a vital stride toward industrial decarbonization, in line with the European Green Deal and Science-Based Targets initiative.

Circle Green®: A Radical Alloy Engineered for Climate Impact

Outokumpu’s Circle Green® is a trailblazing product in the field of sustainable metallurgy. With a carbon footprint as low as 0.5 kg CO₂ₑ per kg of stainless steel, compared to the industry average of 7 kg CO₂ₑ, it is recognized as the greenest stainless steel commercially available. Developed through highly efficient electric arc furnaces powered by renewable energy, Circle Green® is also backed by rigorous product-specific footprint tracking on every delivery. Already adopted by over 40 industrial clients across Europe and Asia, it represents a shift toward emissions transparency and lifecycle accountability in heavy industries.

Decarbonizing Grundfos’ Extensive Water Systems

Grundfos, headquartered in Bjerringbro, Denmark, produces cutting-edge pump and water flow systems that are used globally across agriculture, municipalities, and buildings. By integrating Circle Green® into its standard stainless steel supply, the company aims to significantly lower Scope 3 emissions, those from purchased goods and services. The partnership marks the first active step in Grundfos’ broader supply chain decarbonization roadmap, which prioritizes both product integrity and environmental responsibility. Grundfos’ COO and EVP, Ulrik Gernow, emphasized that the company is actively seeking partners that share its climate resilience ethos.

Water Crisis Demands Greener Technologies

Today, nearly 2 billion people face water scarcity, a problem exacerbated by population growth, erratic climate patterns, and increasing urbanization. Grundfos tackles this through high-efficiency water and wastewater management systems, which demand durable, corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel. Yet such materials must now also meet carbon accountability benchmarks. Circle Green® fulfills this dual requirement, delivering resilience and sustainability. In applications such as solar-driven water pumps, greywater recycling units, and large-scale treatment plants, the material contributes to a smaller climate footprint.

Steel: The Unseen Backbone of the Green Transition

Although often hidden behind the scenes, stainless steel is vital to infrastructure, clean energy systems, transportation, and advanced manufacturing. Its ubiquity makes it a significant contributor to global industrial emissions. Outokumpu’s innovation flips the narrative by proving that traditional heavy materials can be reinvented through cleaner technologies. The implications extend beyond Grundfos, Circle Green® can serve sectors like automotive, construction, and renewable energy. Its success is underpinned by long-term R&D investments, closed-loop recycling processes, and zero-waste manufacturing practices.

Shared Vision Rooted in Science & Transparency

Both Grundfos and Outokumpu are committed to verified, science-based climate strategies. They are aligned with the Science Based Targets initiative, ensuring their emissions reductions are measurable and traceable. “Europe needs frontrunner companies throughout the value chain to drive the green transition forward,” stated Jörg Müller, Head of Sales for Stainless Europe at Outokumpu. He added that the collaboration with Grundfos is a blueprint for industrial climate leadership, founded on transparency, circularity, and emissions minimization at scale.

Key Takeaways:

• Outokumpu’s Circle Green® steel emits only 0.5 kg CO₂ₑ per kg, compared to the 7 kg CO₂ₑ industry average.

• Grundfos will use Circle Green® for 90% of its stainless steel needs to decarbonize water systems.

• The partnership supports EU climate goals & the Science-Based Targets initiative for supply chain sustainability.