Toyota Material Handling Europe has formed a new partnership with SSAB to advance the production of material handling equipment with significantly reduced emissions. Through this collaboration, the company becomes the first in its sector to adopt SSAB Zero™, securing supplies of the low-carbon steel for use in the forks and frames of its hand pallet trucks beginning this spring. SSAB Zero™ delivers the same performance and characteristics as SSAB’s traditional steel grades.
“Our goal is to lead the sustainability transition across our entire value chain, and this partnership strengthens the resilience of our supply network,” said Giorgio Polonio, VP Purchasing & Supply at Toyota Material Handling Europe. Tony Harris, Head of SSAB Europe, added: “We are pleased to join forces with Toyota in developing the next generation of low-emission material handling equipment. Toyota Material Handling Europe has worked with our subsidiary Tibnor for more than two decades, and this step deepens our long-standing relationship as we work toward a fossil-free future.”
Earlier in 2024, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) validated Toyota Material Handling Europe’s near- and long-term climate commitments, which target net-zero emissions no later than 2041. SBTi provides companies with a defined framework to cut greenhouse gas emissions and support global efforts to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C.
As part of its decarbonisation plans, the company will increase its use of recycled steel produced with fossil-free electricity and biogas, helping reduce emissions from materials used in its equipment. Low-carbon steel will become the standard for its products, starting with the most widely used models in the hand pallet truck lineup.
The collaboration with SSAB allows Toyota Material Handling Europe to lower the environmental impact of the materials used in its equipment. It is also the first manufacturer in the industry to make low-carbon recycled steel a standard feature in a full product family, beginning with its best-selling hand pallet truck models.
For the high-volume LHM230 model, the forks and frame will be made from SSAB Zero™, which offers a 77% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to iron-ore-based steel across the full value chain. This change is a key step in lowering material-related emissions and supports Toyota Material Handling Europe’s target of achieving net-zero emissions by fiscal year 2041.
Toyota Material Handling provides a comprehensive suite of products and services, including forklifts, reach trucks, pallet jacks, automated guided vehicles, aerial work platforms, fleet management, and automation engineering. Across more than 230 locations in North America, Toyota combines high-quality equipment with support services to optimize warehouse operations. With a complete range of solutions for material handling, energy, automation, and logistics, Toyota helps businesses enhance efficiency, safety, and productivity.
