Data Overview: Decarbonization of the Steel Industry

Luftaufnahme eines dichten, grünen Waldes. Darüber ist das Symbol „CO2" mit nach unten zeigenden Pfeilen eingeblendet, die die Reduktion von Kohlenstoffdioxid symbolisieren.

June 23, 2026 | Reading time: 3 minutes

Steel is one of the most recycled materials in the world—and continues to set records as a building material. A look at some surprising statistics. And at a medieval hardening method that still fascinates scientists today.

Drei Fabrikschornsteine stoßen graue Rauchwolken aus; im Zentrum der Illustration zeigt eine klare Öffnung im Rauch die Zahl „30%“ vor blauem Himmel.

50M t

of CO₂ could be saved by a climate-neutral steel industry. That corresponds to approximately 30% of total industrial emissions in Germany.

By12%

the steel industry has been able to reduce CO₂ emissions per metric ton of crude steel over the past 30 years. However, conventional steel production can hardly be reduced any further through energy efficiency measures.

Eine Hand hält ein Foto von einer Fabrik, aus deren Schornstein Rauch mit der Aufschrift „CO2“ aufsteigt; im Hintergrund ist dieselbe Fabrik in einer grünen Landschaft zu sehen.

Eine Hand hält eine goldene Münze mit einem Blattsymbol darauf; im Hintergrund fährt ein grünes Auto auf einer geschwungenen Straße durch eine Landschaft mit Bäumen und Stadt-Silhouette.

0.3 to 0.7%

surcharge would buyers have to pay for a car built with CO₂-reduced steel instead of conventionally produced steel. The figures are similar for household appliances such as washing machines.

Did you know …

… that steel is older than the Roman Empire?

The oldest known steel artifacts come from Anatolia and are around 4,000 years old. Even before the Romans, blacksmiths in what is now Turkey were deliberately hardening iron with carbon.

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