Green Steel Must Reflect True Emissions and Recycling Impact

The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has released a strong position on defining green steel. It calls for global standards that reflect actual emissions and highlight the climate benefits of recycling. BIR represents over 30,000 companies across 71 countries in the recycling and metals sector.

The organization warns that current green steel definitions distort the market. Many ignore the low-emission benefits of recycled steel made with electric arc furnace (EAF) technology. These outdated approaches risk misclassifying high-emission virgin steel as green.

Steel production generates 8% of global energy emissions and 30% of industrial emissions. Recycled steel via EAF can cut emissions by up to 74%. However, flawed standards may shift funding and incentives away from genuinely low-carbon methods.

BIR President Susie Burrage stresses that science—not politics—must guide green steel policies. “We want a level playing field,” she says, “not special treatment.”

Global Trade and Circularity Must Shape Green Steel Policy

BIR urges leaders to define green steel based on total life cycle emissions—not just production method or raw material source. It also recommends minimum recycled content rules for public construction, transport, and infrastructure.

Circularity can accelerate decarbonization, but only with smart trade policy and accurate measurement. Public procurement must actively support low-carbon steel production through meaningful incentives.

BIR Director General Arnaud Brunet warns against restricting global scrap trade. “Limiting exports slows decarbonization,” he says. “We need open markets for circular progress.”

To drive meaningful change, BIR outlines five policy steps. First, use real emissions data for all standards. Second, reject export barriers on recycled steel. Third, invest in better collection and sorting infrastructure. Fourth, require recycled content in public projects. Fifth, involve recyclers in all policy decisions.

This approach ensures green steel frameworks support climate goals and promote global circular supply chains.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

The BIR’s position brings clarity to the green steel debate at a crucial time. Markets are racing to define sustainability labels, but weak definitions may do more harm than good. Electric arc furnace technology provides real carbon cuts today, not just in the future.

Recyclers are essential to a low-emission steel economy. Leaving them out of the conversation risks climate backsliding. Fair, emissions-based standards will reward true decarbonization and help deliver greener infrastructure worldwide.