Steel production is an energy-intensive process using raw materials that must be mined and/or processed before being made into steel. Steel production itself, whilst also creating emissions, also creates by-products of various kinds which can be used in other products, or that must be treated in order to avoid harming the environment. Steel production also involves the use of various chemicals or other metals to give various properties to the steel itself.
Because of the complexity of the production process and the ramifications of the sector on the European economy and the environment, EUROFER works intensively on environmental issues, including in the circular economy, recycling, water and air quality, waste management, products policy, chemicals policy, raw materials and lifecycle assessment. Information about each of these areas can be found here.
Brussels, 11 May 2022 – The current Waste Shipment Regulation proposal lacks effective measures to tackle environmental challenges of waste exports and to enhance EU resiliency on valuable secondary raw materials, risking to undermine the EU’s Circular Economy and Green Deal objectives, warns the European Steel Association (EUROFER) on the occasion of the presentation of the draft report by the Environment Committee at the European Parliament.
The steel industry welcomes the release of the Waste Shipment Regulation revision by the European Commission. However, significant improvements are necessary to ensure effectiveness of the revised rules in contributing to the objectives of the EU Circular Economy Action Plan and the EU Green Deal.
Cross-industry group of European metals-producing and -using industries and their workers warn against catastrophic impact of Chinese magnesium supply shortage
Steel is 100% recyclable – a permanent material that underpins the economy, but also contributes to environmental goals by reducing the use of virgin raw materials and CO2 emissions.
EU products policy is an enabler to help deliver on ambitious climate goals and on aims to reduce raw material use and improve recycling rates and outcomes.