Pioneering Pact Propels Planet-Friendly Production

In a move hailed as transformative, SSAB and Metal Solutions signed a long-term partnership to deliver steel with virtually no fossil carbon emissions. This agreement cements years of cooperation, evolving from low emission steel products to a new era of fossil-free steel. Dave Williams, Managing Director at SSAB Swedish Steel Ltd, stated, “By cutting our own carbon emissions, we help customers reduce their indirect emissions from the materials they use, it’s a win-win.” The collaboration focuses on reshaping traditional roofing & cladding, industries often criticised for high carbon footprints.

Futuristic Fabrication Fosters Fossil-Free Foundations

Central to this shift is SSAB’s pioneering use of H₂ reduced sponge iron, replacing coking coal, so the main by-product becomes water rather than CO₂. This method targets less than 0.05 kg CO₂e per kilogram steel across Scope 1, 2 and iron ore upstream Scope 3 of the GHG Protocol. Metal Solutions will integrate this steel into its product lines, starting with GreenCoat® colour coated steel, known for its durability & bio-based rapeseed oil coating. “This isn’t just an upgrade,” said Williams, “it’s a redefinition of what steel production can be.”

Collaboration Cultivates Credible Carbon Cuts

John Flood, Director at Metal Solutions, described the partnership as aligned with the company’s core values of sustainability & innovation. “These values are not optional, they're essential,” Flood explained, “this partnership allows us to break difficult boundaries & grow stronger together, offering our customers materials that support a greener and more responsible future.” The move follows market demand for lower carbon construction materials, driven by architects, developers and regulators aiming to cut embodied carbon in buildings.

Historic Heritage Harnessed into Hybrid Horizons

For over two decades, Metal Solutions has supplied and fabricated metal roofing and cladding systems across the UK. Traditionally, the sector relied heavily on virgin and recycled steel, both carrying significant emissions. SSAB’s fossil-free technology presents a way to honour traditional craftsmanship while lowering environmental impact. Flood added, “We’ve built our reputation on quality and craft, now we’re ensuring that reputation includes responsibility to the planet.”

Innovation Ingrained in Industry’s Identity & Ideals

The breakthrough traces back to 2021, when SSAB produced the world’s first fossil-free steel as a proof of concept using hydrogen reduced sponge iron. Since then, pilot batches have reached automotive, construction and industrial clients, showing commercial promise. Williams emphasised, “Innovation is only as valuable as its impact. We’re committed to scaling this technology so it moves from niche to norm, and Metal Solutions helps us do exactly that.”

Global Goals Galvanised by Green Guarantees

Steel production accounts for roughly 7% of global CO₂ emissions. Even recycled steel isn’t emission-free, as melting scrap in electric arc furnaces often depends on fossil-powered grids. SSAB’s technology directly removes the biggest single source of CO₂ emissions: coking coal used in traditional blast furnaces. By integrating these products, Metal Solutions aims to cut both direct emissions from manufacturing and indirect emissions from raw materials, aligning with international climate targets.

Strategic Synergy Sets Sectoral Standard

The collaboration illustrates how combining advanced production methods with established market channels accelerates decarbonisation. Metal Solutions’ distribution network & fabrication expertise complement SSAB’s technology, creating a fossil-free value chain from mine to finished product. Flood concluded, “Sustainability isn’t something you can achieve alone, it demands collaboration at every stage – from raw materials to the final installation on a roof or façade.”

Key Takeaways:

• SSAB & Metal Solutions signed a long-term deal to supply near-zero fossil carbon steel.

• Partnership combines SSAB’s hydrogen reduced iron technology with Metal Solutions’ UK market reach.

• Aims to transform traditional roofing & cladding into a low-carbon, fossil-free sector.