In a significant move for sustainable automotive manufacturing, the BMW Group has finalized a supply agreement with Thyssenkrupp Steel. Starting in 2026, the automaker will source certified low-carbon steel, branded as “bluemint® recycled,” for the series production of its all-electric iX3 SUV. This partnership underscores a growing willingness among premium vehicle manufacturers to invest in greener supply chains and more climate-friendly materials.
A Strategic Shift Towards Decarbonization
The deal represents more than a simple procurement contract; it is a strategic milestone for Thyssenkrupp. It validates the emerging market for environmentally advanced steel, where such products can command a competitive edge. Automakers face mounting pressure to decarbonize their entire value chain, and the steel sector accounts for a substantial portion of industrial emissions. This agreement provides concrete evidence that Thyssenkrupp’s costly transformation roadmap can be commercially viable.
The certified steel will be utilized in critical and demanding vehicle components. Its applications will include exterior body panels, interior parts, and the battery housing. The planned use for visible exterior sections is particularly notable, as it confirms the material meets the stringent surface quality standards required for premium car bodies.
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The Technology Behind the Green Steel
The “bluemint® recycled” product reduces its carbon footprint through a modified production process. In the traditional blast furnace method, a portion of the iron ore is replaced with specially prepared scrap metal. This substitution lowers the consumption of coking coal and, consequently, cuts CO₂ emissions compared to conventional steelmaking. The reductions are independently verified by TÜV Süd, providing the transparency that major industrial customers demand.
Long-Term Vision for a Neutral Future
Thyssenkrupp’s long-term strategy involves a complete overhaul of its production infrastructure. The company aims to phase out coal-based processes gradually, with plans for a hydrogen-capable direct reduction plant. Its overarching goal is to transition its entire production portfolio to climate-neutral steel by 2045 at the latest. The BMW supply contract serves as a crucial early validation of this ambitious and capital-intensive transition, signaling that demand for sustainable steel is moving from concept to commercial reality.
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