Partnership for climate protection: BENTELER secures CO2-reduced steel from thyssenkrupp Steel

Salzburg / Paderborn, March 20, 2023. BENTELER Automotive and thyssenkrupp Steel Europe are joining forces on climate protection: The international automotive supplier has secured a long-term supply of climate-friendly bluemint® Steel from thyssenkrupp for the production of vehicle components. Both companies have signed a corresponding memorandum of understanding.

The CO2 intensity of bluemint® Steel is already significantly reduced. In the production of the certified, climate-friendly steels, a proportion of the coking coal in the blast furnace process is replaced by pre-produced sponge iron or specially prepared scrap steel. Additionally, the cooperation between thyssenkrupp Steel and BENTELER will be intensified from 2026. The steel will then come from direct reduction plants in conjunction with meltdown units which, in future, will use green hydrogen and green electricity. 

"Green" products of the highest quality for customers 

“Climate protection is a strategic priority for BENTELER, we have set ourselves ambitious goals here. That’s why we consistently reduce CO2 emissions along our entire value chain. Today's agreement with thyssenkrupp as one of our largest suppliers is a significant step in this direction. We look forward to offering our customers the highest quality 'green' products on an even larger scale in the future,” says Radek Jedlicka, Executive Vice President Global Procurement at BENTELER Automotive. 

“BENTELER and thyssenkrupp Steel have committed themselves to the same goal – sustainable management for future generations,” emphasizes Dr. Heike Denecke-Arnold, Chief Operating Officer at thyssenkrupp Steel. “Today's step further intensifies our long-standing partnership – we are very pleased about it,” adds Simon Stephan, Senior Vice President Sales Automotive at thyssenkrupp Steel. “CO2-reduced steel is a significant lever in making automotive products even more sustainable.”

"Green steel" from electric arc furnaces also from BENTELER Steel/Tube

BENTELER has set itself the goal of achieving net zero emissions for Scope 1, 2 and 3 (upstream) by 2050. By 2030, the company will have already halved its production-related CO2 emissions and reduced its Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods by 30%. The Steel/Tube Division is aiming to achieve CO2 neutrality by 2045 through increased energy efficiency, green electricity and climate-neutral starting material.

In addition, BENTELER Steel/Tube itself produces “green steel” for customers in an electric arc furnace at its Lingen steel works. However, the production volume there is not sufficient to cover the needs of BENTELER within the group.