BIR calls for fair standards for green steel

The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has called for a fair and scientifically sound approach to developing standards for green steel that accurately measure carbon emissions and fully recognize the role of recycling in decarbonization. This is stated in a position paper released by the industry federation.

The BIR warns that current methodologies, especially those using “sliding scale” or “benchmarking” approaches, risk labeling steel with higher emissions, which is often produced from primary raw materials, as environmentally friendly. At the same time, steel produced from scrap using electric arc furnace technology will be ignored.

“This not only undermines transparency, but also risks diverting incentives and public procurement funding away from truly low-carbon production pathways,” the BIR document says.

As BIR President Suzy Berrage notes, steel made from recycled materials using EAF technology can reduce emissions by up to 74% compared to traditional blast furnace production. According to her, it is extremely important that the political framework properly reflects this reality. The federation is not asking for special treatment, but for a level playing field where environmental claims are backed up by real data and the role of recycling in decarbonization is valued.

The BIR emphasizes that the definition of “green” steel should be based on total emissions over the life cycle, not just on the production method or origin of raw materials. The organization also calls for public procurement rules to actively support circularity by requiring a minimum content of recycled raw materials in steel used for public construction, transport, and infrastructure projects.

The Federation also highlighted the risk of trade barriers that restrict the cross-border flow of scrap. These could disrupt global supply chains, reduce recycling rates in exporting countries, and delay the implementation of circular steel production solutions in key markets.

In its position paper, the BIR calls for the following policy actions:

• ensure that green steel standards are based on actual, measurable emissions.
• reject scrap export restrictions that hinder global decarbonization.
• use public procurement and incentives to reward low-carbon steel with circular production;
• invest in better collection and sorting infrastructure to increase recycling rates;
• include the recycling sector in the development of green steel policies and standards.

Eurometal, an association representing distributors of steel, pipes, and metal products, has emphasized the need to harmonize European regulations and support the industry on the path to decarbonization. The industry also needs to reduce energy costs and maintain Europe’s industrial competitiveness, especially in the face of unfair global practices.