Swedish Stegra Joins LESS Green Steel Standard to Boost Decarbonization Transparency

Stegra Embraces LESS Green Steel Standard for Low-Emission Production

Swedish startup Stegra, formerly H2GreenSteel, has joined the Low Emission Steel Standard (LESS). This step strengthens its commitment to producing near-zero emission steel. LESS provides a unified, transparent labeling system for low- and near-zero-emission steel. Members of LESS represent about 45% of Europe’s steel production. Stegra’s move highlights its dedication to decarbonization and its plan to access sustainable markets.

Niklas Wass, Stegra’s Head of Operations in Boden, stressed the importance of reliable labeling. He said it helps showcase the decarbonization level of their products. Wass also supports LESS becoming the official EU label for low-emission steel. This aligns with Stegra’s vision to lead in sustainable steel production from day one. Recently, ArcelorMittal plants in several European countries joined the initiative, showing its growing influence.

LESS Green Steel Standard: Driving Industrial Decarbonization in Europe

The LESS standard, launched in April 2024 by the German Steel Association WV Stahl and the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection, supports industrial decarbonization through a voluntary certification. It integrates traditional blast furnace production transitioning to hydrogen-based methods and scrap-based electric steel production, which already has low CO2 emissions. This dual approach allows fair comparison of decarbonization efforts across production technologies.

Carmen Ostwald, Secretary General of LESS, praised Stegra’s technical expertise and commitment to sustainable development. With increasing membership, LESS strengthens the steel industry’s path toward reducing carbon footprints and meeting climate goals, helping companies communicate their environmental efforts transparently.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Stegra’s adoption of the LESS green steel standard reflects a critical shift toward transparency in industrial decarbonization. As Europe tightens environmental regulations, standards like LESS will become key benchmarks for market access and investor confidence. Stegra’s early commitment positions it strongly for future growth in sustainable steel markets, while the broader adoption of LESS could accelerate decarbonization across the steel sector, fostering competition and innovation in low-carbon production technologies.