A new study developed within the AID4GREENEST explores how Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking can contribute to a more sustainable, circular and resilient steel industry.
The research, led by project partners EurA AG and Reinosa Forgings & Castings, analyses the environmental impact of steel production using a cradle-to-gate Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology based on real industrial data.
The study examines how circular economy strategies and process optimisation can help reduce environmental impact while improving resource efficiency across the steel value chain.
Particular attention is given to the role of EAF steelmaking, which is increasingly recognised as an important route towards lower-emission steel production.
One of the key findings of the study is the importance of distinguishing between process-level and product-level environmental assessments.
While EAF steelmaking often performs favourably from a process perspective, the research shows that downstream manufacturing operations can become significant environmental contributors when the complete product system is considered.
The work also investigates the role of Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) in steel production. Using a simplified screening indicator, the researchers identified relevant CRM-related inputs such as nickel, vanadium and manganese, helping to make material dependencies and recovery opportunities more visible throughout the production chain.
According to EurA AG Life Cycle Assessment Consultant Mary Osorio, “studying circular approaches could play an important role in strengthening Europe’s industrial resilience by improving material efficiency and increasing the recovery of valuable secondary materials from industrial waste streams”.
The research also highlights how certain optimisation and recovery strategies could reduce environmental impacts by up to 15%, demonstrating the potential of circular solutions to support a more sustainable steel sector.