The "Steel: New Futures" conference was an opportunity to envisage the future sustainable development journey of the steel sector in Italy and abroad, with contributions from leading figures in the sector.
Luigi Cuzzolin (Made in Steel), Antonio Marcegaglia (Marcegaglia Steel), Franco Bernabè (Acciaierie d'Italia), Giuseppe Pasini (Feralpi Group), Alessandro Banzato (Acciaierie Venete) and Marco Mandelli (BPER Banca) participated in the roundtable.
Paolo Morandi, CEO of Made in Steel, said: "Only by co-operating can we cope with the future. The tenth meeting of Made in Steel was a great success. We broke all records. We are still waiting for the official attendance figures, but we have definitely surpassed the records of 2019. This is something to be proud of."
Luigi Cuzzolin, Vice President of Made in Steel, opened the final event of the International Conference and Exhibition for the steel supply chain: "In 2000, together with Emanuele Morandi, we founded Siderweb as an exchange platform for supply chain participants and to promote a robust dialogue with the outside world. We did this because the steel sector is a strategic, innovative and sustainable industry. There are many challenges ahead, including remaining competitive despite ever-tightening rules. We must overcome these challenges together, as a system and with the help of new generations."
Antonio Marcegaglia, President and CEO of Marcegaglia Steel, said that the concept of sustainability needs to be interpreted effectively and comprehensively for all groups involved in the steel industry, committed to combining decarbonisation with economic and social dimensions, taking into account environmental challenges, and that a pragmatic, far-reaching and global effort is required to achieve these goals.
Franco Bernabè, President of Acciaierie d'Italia, underlined the company's remarkable commitment to environmental rehabilitation. They have invested 1.8 billion euros in environmental projects, including contributions from extraordinary management. Acciaierie d'Italia and DRI d'Italia are spearheading a major decarbonisation project aimed at powering the electric furnaces at the steel plant using pre-reduction processes. This ambitious programme aims to decarbonise the entire production process within ten years. Bernabè believes that co-operation with local institutions and trade unions will yield positive results. They are determined to follow the path set out in discussions with the Ministry of Economic Development and Made in Italy.
Giuseppe Pasini, President of Feralpi Group, underlined the importance of the Italian steel industry's achievements in the field of sustainability and underlined the need for further decarbonisation; "Feralpi integrates an ESG strategy, sets science-based targets and invests to reduce environmental impact. Its objectives include electrification processes and a strong focus on renewable energies. Pasini emphasised the importance of young people in envisioning the future and developing the skills to support the industry's transition. Talent acquisition is crucial for the future of the steel industry and engaging young people should be an industry-wide endeavour."
Alessandro Banzato, President of Acciaierie Venete, emphasised that sustainability is primarily an environmental issue and that the Italian steel industry is fully sustainable. The industry's production is primarily based on electric furnaces and steel has an infinite life cycle, he said. However, Banzato emphasised that sustainability is a comprehensive concept that also includes social responsibility. "Steel companies must set a positive example and contribute to the development of society through initiatives and investments in new technologies. Continuous improvement and innovation are crucial in this endeavour."
Marco Mandelli, Director of Corporate and Investment Banking at BPER Banca, emphasised the importance of the banking sector's role in supporting the steel industry's sustainable development projects. He emphasised the importance of understanding clients' needs and making concrete contributions to help them achieve their projects and environmental, social and governance (ESG) goals. "BPER Banca is proud to support Made in Steel and has been an important reference point for the sector for many years. The event serves as an important convener where sustainability is an important topic of discussion."
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