Following on from Steel Mains’ SINTAKOTE® steel pipe system receiving an Environmental Product Declaration at end of 2022, the company is continuing to ramp up its end goal of reducing emissions.
Steel Mains Environment and Sustainability Lead, Ben Twigg, voiced the company’s goal going forward – drive significant carbon reduction across its operations.
“The company’s climate strategy focuses on reducing emissions and improving waste management to minimise our environmental impact,” he said.
Emphasising the rigorous verification process that goes into acquiring an environmental product declaration (EPD), Mr Twigg said it is more difficult for a product associated with a hard to offset industry like steel manufacturing.
“We performed a full lifecycle assessment of our SINTAKOTE pipe. Every step of the way, from raw materials, manufacturing supplies, waste outputs, to the decommissioning stage,” he said.
“We want to take accountability for any emissions and waste involved in our products. Ultimately, this process clearly indicates the impact of current operations and shows us what we need to do to reduce emissions, to remain competitive.
“The direction industry is moving towards emissions reductions – is obvious. It’s about getting ahead and making sure that we’re not only serving customer’s needs now but continue to do so over the next ten, 15 or 50 years.”
In 2025, Steel Mains has a goal to align with science‑based targets and support global efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.
As a result, the company has set clear near-term (2030) and long-term (2050) emissions reduction goals. Mr Twigg said an important part of reducing the environmental impact of SINTAKOTE steel pipe systems is recyclability of materials.
“Recycling steel consumes 75 per cent less energy than production of steel from raw materials. SINTAKOTE steel pipes are made from 17.4 per cent recycled material, which, combined with long service life, results in a sustainable and robust product,” he said.
In order to achieve its goal, Steel Mains has achieved Level 3 certification with the Steel Sustainability Australia (SSA) program.
This marks a significant step towards an improved sustainable and environmentally friendly manufacturing process for a local Australian manufacturer.
With Level 3 being the highest level of certification under the program, it requires Steel Mains to display:
- A reduction of two per cent or more in operational carbon emissions per tonne of production over the last five years
- Minimum 80 per cent of waste redirected from landfill
- Commitment to pursue decarbonisation within our supply chain
- A robust health and safety system which covers the entire life cycle of our product
The SSA Certification Program is participated in by steel suppliers and fabricators around Australia, including Bluescope, and aims to support responsible manufacturing of steel and steel products in Australia.
“Both our Manufacturing facilities in Victoria and Western Australia have achieved Level 3 certification,” Mr Twigg said.
As one of Australia’s major suppliers of SINTAKOTE mild steel (MSCL) pipes for water, wastewater and sewer, Steel Mains’ proven interest in reducing emissions and supporting a circular economy in the industry has the potential to impact other elements of industry, from manufacturing to transport.
For more information, visit www.steelmains.com
