The European steel industry welcomes the development of a coherent product policy framework that supports a circular economy and sustainability, giving full recognition to materials fit for circularity and supporting sustainable outcomes. We are at a critical stage in which EU product policy can be shaped to fully support the development of a more Circular Economy. It is therefore essential to have the right founding principles from the very beginning.
The use of a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, when thoroughly peer-reviewed, should be widely supported as a means of quantifying the environmental impacts of products. For instance, a consistent LCA methodology is needed for preparing background studies, which are used to inform policy, such as in Ecodesign and Eco-label. As a voluntary assessment tool, the EC shall however, ensure a level playing field for environmental claims communicated by harmonising methodology.
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Brussels, 07 December 2023 – The inclusion of transformative industrial technologies for the decarbonisation of energy-intensive sectors, such as steel, in the list of net-zero technologies in the general approach adopted by the Council on the Net Zero Industry Act (NZIA), sends a positive signal at a crucial time when governments are deliberating urgent measures to protect the climate at COP28 in Dubai. Parliament and Council should now seize the opportunity to reach an ambitious agreement to promote EU-made green products in public auctions of net-zero technologies and to drive Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) in Europe. Promoting lead markets and CCUS are essential tools for sustaining the transition to low-carbon steelmaking, says the European Steel Association.
Brussels, 01 December 2023 – Further delays in implementing EU sanctions against Russian steel semifinished products would have a perverse effect, ultimately fuelling Putin’s war machine against Ukraine. The EU Council should reject additional exemption requests from a few member states defending the lucrative business model of few steel rerollers. The trade dynamic that takes advantage of cheap steel imported from Russia while aiding the supply to its military and related downstream sectors must come to an end, states the European Steel Association.
Industriall & EUROFER joint statement