Steel in a state of change – and we’re right in the thick of it
Alongside glass, titanium steel is a key material used in our bathroom products. That is why we support the use of steel produced with lower emissions than conventional methods.
We explain the reasoning behind this and how we go about it here.
Bette products made from steel produced with lower emissions
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bathroom products have, to this day, been made from steel produced with lower emissions.*
*We source steel from a supplier that has a proven track record of investing in lower-emission manufacturing processes and is certified to this effect. The certificates provided attest to these investments. They do not mean that the steel is produced without any emissions.
What is green steel – and how does it affect the carbon footprint?
The figures are undeniable: the steel industry is responsible for around 30% of industrial greenhouse emissions in Germany – and in particular with the process of direct reduction of iron into steel. Clean production processes are to change this. But how can that work? With hydrogen from renewable energies. It could drastically reduce the use of carbon in steel production. One technology leader in this field is ArcelorMittal. The group combines the use of smart carbon technologies with the use of hydrogen. As hydrogen is not yet available in sufficient quantities or at competitive prices, the company is using natural gas as an interim measure. The steel producer intends to reduce its emissions by 30% by 2030.
Why is the transformation of the steel industry so important for us?
Alongside the raw materials for our glaze, steel is the key material used in our bathroom products. A high-performing European steel industry is therefore of great importance to our production and our supply chains.
At the same time, the industry faces a massive transformation challenge: steel production is to be gradually transitioned to processes with lower CO₂ emissions. We wish to support this transition and our partners.
One of our key steel suppliers is ArcelorMittal. Through its XCarb® Steel Certificates, the company offers verified CO₂ savings resulting from transformation measures in steel production. These savings are independently audited and allocated to specific steel orders. However, the certificates do not mean that the specific steel slabs supplied were produced emission-free or CO₂-neutral.
Bette was among the first customers of ArcelorMittal Europe to purchase such certificates alongside their steel orders. In 2021, around ten per cent of the steel we purchased was covered by XCarb® Steel Certificates. In 2022, this proportion stood at around 40 per cent.
When will we be launching the first bathroom fittings made from low-emission steel?
We are already using steel produced with lower emissions in our manufacturing processes. Since the second quarter of 2022, we have been using this steel for selected products, subject to availability.
What our commitment to low-emission steel actually means.
Steel produced with lower emissions is a key component of our sustainability strategy. At the same time, we are working to use materials more efficiently, further develop our production processes and manufacture durable bathroom fittings. This means you are choosing a product that combines design and quality with concrete measures to ensure a more responsible use of resources.
Does steel produced with lower emissions affect the price and quality of our bathroom fittings – and is the market for it stable?
Our quality standards for steel are extremely high. After all, we offer you a warranty of up to 30 years on our products. Everything has to be just right – whether it’s low-emission steel or conventionally produced steel. We’re also keeping our prices stable. But let’s be completely honest: the extent to which we can maintain our high standard of low-emission steel also depends on how supply and demand develop. The market is in flux. We cannot say for certain whether the material will remain available and affordable in the future. Nevertheless, here at Bette, we will always strive to play our part in the ecological transformation of steel production.
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