Outokumpu and Alstom partner to supply low-emission stainless steel for metro cars

Stainless steel producer Outokumpu and mobility technology leader Alstom have announced a new partnership aimed at reducing carbon emissions in public transport. Under the agreement, Outokumpu will supply its low-emission stainless steel product, Circle Green®, for use in Alstom’s next-generation Metropolis metro cars. The first deliveries are expected in 2026.

Outokumpu’s Circle Green® stainless steel has a carbon footprint reduction of up to 93% compared to the global industry average, according to company data. This partnership marks Outokumpu’s largest supply agreement to date in the mobility sector and represents a significant step toward supporting more sustainable urban transport infrastructure in Europe.

The collaboration aligns with both companies’ climate goals, including their commitments under the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and supports the European Union’s ambition to reach climate neutrality by 2050.

“As Europe works to remain competitive while accelerating the green transition, materials like low-emission stainless steel are essential,” said Rolf Schencking, President of the Business Line Advanced Materials at Outokumpu. “This agreement with Alstom is a milestone for us and will play a key role in reducing emissions in the mobility sector.”

Alstom plans to use the Circle Green® steel for the outer shell of its Metropolis metro cars. The initiative is part of the company’s broader strategy to lower emissions from its supply chain by 30% by 2030.

“Using stainless steel with a significantly lower carbon footprint fits perfectly with our long-standing eco-design approach,” said Véronique Andriès, Vice President for Sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility at Alstom. “This partnership helps us move closer to our emissions reduction targets while maintaining high material performance standards.”

Outokumpu’s Circle Green® steel is already in use by more than 40 companies across Europe and Asia. Each delivery includes a specific carbon footprint calculation, reinforcing transparency and traceability in emissions reporting. In the context of the Alstom partnership, the product is achieving at least an 85% carbon reduction compared to the global average for stainless steel production.

Source and Photo: Outokumpu