The Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) has called for fair, science-based green steel standards that accurately measure carbon emissions and recognize recycling’s key role in decarbonization. It warns that current “sliding scale” or “benchmarking” methods may incorrectly label primary raw materials-produced high-emission steel as eco-friendly while sidelining scrap-based electric arc furnace (EAF) steel. 

BIR notes EAF steel cuts emissions by up to 74% compared to blast furnace production, and such low-carbon pathways risk losing incentives and funding.

The federation stresses that green steel should be defined by lifecycle emissions, not production methods or origin of raw materials. It urges supporting circularity via public procurement (requiring recycled content), rejecting scrap export barriers, involving recyclers in policy-making, and investing in collection infrastructure.