SSAB and SNOP Collaborate on Fossil-Free Steel for Automotive Components

SSAB
Pierre Mainguy, Purchasing Director, Snop; Huy Nguyen, Sales Director, SSAB Europe, Hervé Daenens, Vice President Operations, Snop, Svante Fält, Technical Development Manager, SSAB Europe, Tony Harris, Head of Sales and Business Development, SSAB Europe.( Image Courtesy: SSAB)

SSAB has entered a long-term agreement with SNOP, a leading automotive supplier, to deliver fossil-free steel, marking a significant step in reducing carbon emissions in vehicle production. This partnership aligns with SNOP’s goal of reducing CO2 emissions by 30% by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050.

Groupe Financière SNOP Dunois (FSD), the parent company of SNOP, is a prominent tier-one supplier to European automotive manufacturers. Operating in 12 countries, it runs 36 production facilities and 4 technical centers, employing over 8,200 people. The group’s offerings include body structure stampings, roll-formed parts, assemblies, stamping dies, and automated presses for both passenger and commercial vehicles.

Pierre Mainguy, Purchasing Director at SNOP, emphasized the importance of sustainability, stating, “Partnering with SSAB strengthens our commitment to lowering CO2 emissions. This collaboration is vital for the industry and global efforts to protect the planet.”

Huy Nguyen, Sales Director at SSAB Europe, highlighted the benefits of their fossil-free steel, saying, “Our steel maintains its exceptional quality while significantly reducing environmental impact compared to traditional blast furnace methods. Supporting SNOP’s sustainability objectives reinforces our shared vision for cleaner automotive production.”

This collaboration builds on a longstanding relationship between SSAB and SNOP, focusing on various aspects of the supply chain, including production, testing, and customer applications. Traditional steelmaking is a significant contributor to global CO2 emissions. SSAB is reimagining the process by developing a fossil-free value chain through its pioneering HYBRIT® technology.

Launched in 2021, HYBRIT® produces steel using hydrogen-reduced sponge iron, eliminating CO2 emissions and producing water as a byproduct. SSAB has since made pilot deliveries across industries and aims to achieve near-zero carbon emissions in its commercial production. By adopting this groundbreaking approach, SSAB and SNOP are setting a precedent for sustainable innovation in the steel and automotive sectors, paving the way for a cleaner and greener future.