Partners for Environmental Progress (PEP) has recognized Outokumpu’s state-of-the art mill in Calvert, Alabama for its continuous efforts to minimize impacts to the environment.
During PEP’s annual meeting on September 25, 2025, the organization presented the Calvert team with an award for its innovative Soft Lime Replacement Project.
The stainless steel industry relies heavily on lime in the melting process, which contributes significantly to CO₂ emissions. Outokumpu’s Melt Shop team trialled straight limestone in the Electric Arc Furnace, bypassing the processing step that produces soft lime. This innovation reduced CO₂ emissions, improved efficiency, and generated operational savings.
Since implementation, the project has: (i) eliminated over 4,000 tons of CO₂ emissions; (ii) improved refractory life by 5%; and (iii) reduced gunning material by 10%.