Outokumpu Recognized for Industry-Leading Sustainability in Corporate Knights’ European Ranking

Outokumpu Recognized for Industry-Leading Sustainability in Corporate Knights’ European Ranking

(IN BRIEF) Outokumpu has been ranked 25th on Corporate Knights’ first-ever list of Europe’s 50 most sustainable companies, placing highest among steel industry participants. This marks the company’s first inclusion in the ranking, which evaluates ESG performance, sustainable revenue, and supplier practices. Outokumpu has notably reduced its emission intensity by 32% since 2016 and achieved 95% recycled content in its products in 2024. It also helped customers avoid 10 million tonnes of emissions compared to the global stainless steel average. The company earned industry-first fair pay certification and remains committed to human rights across its value chain. Outokumpu was also listed on Corporate Knights’ global Clean200 ranking, underscoring its leadership in sustainable business.

(PRESS RELEASE) HELSINKI, 9-Jun-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Outokumpu, recognized worldwide for its leadership in sustainable stainless steel, has secured the 25th position in Corporate Knights’ inaugural list of Europe’s 50 most sustainable companies—earning the top spot in the steel sector. This new ranking spotlights European firms that demonstrate exceptional sustainability performance and are actively contributing to positive industry transformation.

Corporate Knights, known for its sustainability benchmarking, assessed a wide array of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics, including resource efficiency, sustainable revenues, and supplier accountability. Outokumpu’s inclusion in this first-of-its-kind European ranking is a testament to the company’s ongoing strides in emissions reduction, circularity, and embedding sustainability throughout its operations.

“This recognition reflects not only our deep-rooted commitment to sustainability but also reinforces our industry leadership,” stated Heidi Peltonen, Vice President of Sustainability at Outokumpu. “We play a crucial role in the green transition by supplying stainless steel with a significantly lower carbon footprint—up to 75% less—helping our clients meet their climate goals by decarbonizing their supply chains.”

In 2024, Outokumpu exceeded its climate objectives by cutting emission intensity by 32% compared to its 2016 baseline. The company also met its circularity ambitions, achieving an all-time high of 95% recycled material content. Moreover, Outokumpu’s products enabled customers to collectively avoid 10 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions globally, when compared with the industry average for stainless steel.

In addition to its environmental achievements, Outokumpu made history in 2024 by becoming the first in its industry to obtain fair pay certification and continues to uphold the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights throughout its entire value chain.

The company’s commitment to sustainable business practices has also earned it a place on the global Clean200 list by Corporate Knights, further solidifying its status as a sustainability front-runner.

To explore the full ranking, visit Corporate Knights’ Top 50 European Sustainable Companies list.

Media Contact:

tel. +358 40 351 9840
e-mail: media@outokumpu.com

SOURCE: Outokumpu