Recycling as the key to decarbonization: BIR's position on green steel
The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has called for a fair and evidence-based approach in developing standards for "green" steel that accurately measure carbon emissions and fully recognize the role of recycling in decarbonization. This will be discussed in the position paper published by the industry Federation.
BIR warns that current methodologies, especially those using sliding scale or comparative analysis approaches, run the risk of labeling steel with higher emissions, which is often produced from primary raw materials, as environmentally friendly. At the same time, it will be ignored made of scrap using electric arc furnace technology.
According to BIR President Suzy Berrage, steel made from recycled materials using EAF technology can reduce emissions by up to 74% compared to traditional blast furnace production. According to her, it is extremely important that the political framework properly reflects this reality. The Federation is not asking for special treatment, but for a level playing field, where environmental statements are supported by real data, and the role of recycling in decarbonization is appreciated.
BIR emphasizes that definitions of "green" steel should be based on total emissions over the life cycle, and not just on the production method or the origin of the raw materials. The organization also calls for public procurement regulations to actively support circularity by requiring a minimum content of recycled raw materials in steel used for public construction, transportation, and infrastructure projects.
The Federation also highlighted the risk of trade barriers limiting the cross-border flow of scrap. They can disrupt global supply chains, reduce processing levels in exporting countries, and delay the implementation of circular steel solutions in key markets.
In its position paper, BIR calls for the following policy actions:
Ensure that green steel standards are based on actual, measurable emissions;Reject restrictions on scrap exports that hinder global decarbonization;Use government procurement and incentives to reward low-carbon steel with circular production;Invest in better collection and sorting infrastructure to increase recycling rates;Include the recycling sector in policy development and standard setting for "green" steel.