ECO-STEEL (Eco-Friendly Stainless Steel Production from Recycled Scrap) is a research project dedicated to developing cleaner, more energy-efficient routes for recycling ferritic stainless steel scrap. The project focuses on transforming post-production stainless steel scrap into high-quality sheets and rods while significantly reducing the need for conventional high-temperature melting.
ECO-STEEL explores two innovative technological pathways: twin-roll strip casting, a near-net-shape process that combines casting and rolling in a single step and a solid-state processing without melting. By moving from conventional steelmaking temperatures above 1600°C to lower-temperature processing routes, the project aims to reduce energy consumption, cut CO₂ emissions, and support a more circular and sustainable European steel industry.
The project targets ferritic stainless steels for applications such as home appliances, kitchen equipment, architectural components, cladding and exhaust systems, where cost-effective, corrosion-resistant and environmentally responsible materials are increasingly needed.
The main objective of ECO-STEEL is to develop robust, low-carbon technologies for recycling ferritic stainless steel scrap into high-quality products suitable for industrial applications.
The project will:
ECO-STEEL addresses one of the steel sector’s key challenges: how to increase recycling while reducing energy consumption, emissions and dependence on primary raw materials. Conventional stainless steel recycling is already more sustainable than primary production, but it still relies heavily on energy-intensive melting. ECO-STEEL proposes a step change by enabling direct transformation of scrap into valuable products through lower-energy processes.
The project has the potential to deliver major environmental benefits, including substantial reductions in CO₂ emissions, energy use and water consumption compared with conventional production routes. It also supports the creation of closed-loop recycling systems, where manufacturing scrap can be reprocessed locally and reused in high-value applications, reducing transport, waste and resource losses.
Scientifically, ECO-STEEL will generate new knowledge on solid-state bonding, ferritic stainless steel processing, scrap tolerance, microstructure evolution, corrosion resistance and process modelling. Industrially, it will provide the foundation for scalable technologies that can help steel producers and downstream users manufacture greener stainless steel products without compromising performance.
By supporting circular economy principles, resource efficiency and the decarbonisation of steel production, ECO-STEEL contributes directly to European priorities such as the Green Deal, Clean Steel Partnership and climate-neutral manufacturing. Its long-term ambition is to help position Europe as a leader in sustainable stainless steel production.