Tata Steel Nederland is conducting research together with its European partners on the full recycling of high-quality steel for use in automobiles and washing machines. The studies are being carried out as part of the CiSMA project.
One of the main goals of the project is to reduce total CO₂ emissions in flat steel production by 70% through the use of 100% scrap material and Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) technology. However, it is noted that production based entirely on scrap depends on several factors, such as scrap supply, and is not yet fully feasible under current conditions. Nevertheless, the project provides important insights into the production of high-quality steel containing 30% to 40% scrap content.
As part of the research, machine learning and digital modeling technologies are being used to examine the extent to which contaminated scrap can be purified. The process aims to separate unwanted elements from scrap, while also exploring the potential recovery of critical raw materials, particularly copper.
The CiSMA project brings together commercial partners from various sectors, including automotive, industrial laundry equipment, and engineering. Companies such as Volvo Cars and Electrolux Professional are investigating the commercial use of recycled steel in vehicles and washing machines, with the aim of strengthening circular manufacturing practices and reducing CO₂ impact.
The project’s “circular steel” is intended to deliver the same properties and performance as high-quality steel produced through conventional methods. Representatives from Volvo Cars emphasize the importance of understanding how recycled content affects steel performance, while Electrolux Professional highlights the critical role of steel in manufacturing processes and notes that achieving a higher level of circularity is strategically important for reducing Scope 3 emissions.
With a total budget of approximately EUR 4.5 million, the CiSMA project is funded under Horizon Europe. The project is coordinated by Eurecat in Spain and involves 13 partners from five countries, including voestalpine, RISE, Blekinge Institute of Technology, ALBA Synchrotron, Aerobase Innovations, ESTEP, CSIC, University of Liège, and Tata Steel Nederland.
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