7 Steel is a Business Reporter clientCarles Rovira and Laura Thomas at 7 Steel UK explain how the future of steelmaking in the UK is changing to build resilience, reduce emissions and strengthen for the future.The steel industry as we know it is changing. For years, global competition, complex supply chains and rising costs have shaped the industry, but today, decarbonisation and the drive towards a cleaner steel industry are shifting expectations. Modern producers must balance sustainability ambitions with the need to deliver supply chain resilience, product quality and innovation to create a strong domestic steel industry that is set for the future. At 7 Steel UK, that future is already a reality. With electric arc furnace (EAF) production at the centre of an integrated model that brings together domestic sourcing, circular production and direct operational control, 7 Steel UK is directly supporting the strength and resilience of the sector. Turning potential into progress It all begins with scrap. In the UK, more than 10 million tonnes of steel scrap are produced every year – and much of this gets exported for recycling overseas. Harnessing the potential of this scrap, 7 Steel UK’s specialist recycling division sources, collects and processes steel scrap to deliver reliable and high-quality feedstock for production. This steel scrap, once processed, is fed directly into 7 Steel UK’s EAF in Cardiff, to be transformed into new steel for major construction and infrastructure projects. But it’s not just about the transformation itself, it’s about how that transformation takes place. EAF production is widely seen as the future of steelmaking in the UK, and 7 Steel UK is the country’s largest EAF steel producer, having operated its furnace for more than 20 years. This method of production marks a stark difference to traditional blast furnace methods, reducing CO2 output by up to 80 per cent and significantly reducing the environmental impact of steel production. As part of a UK-centric model, EAF production secures 7 Steel UK’s position as a responsible domestic steel producer. By balancing production necessity with its impact on communities, the environment and industries such as construction and infrastructure, 7 Steel UK is moving beyond being a low-impact steel producer to become a positive-impact producer, contributing to lower emissions, stronger communities, resilient UK supply chains and a more sustainable industrial future. A new era for steelmaking in the UK This is an exciting time for the domestic steel industry, with an opportunity to build on a strong heritage that is backed by substantial capability. The new UK Steel Strategy sets out clear ambitions for the industry, protecting what already exists and preparing for the future as we transition to being a low-carbon society. As demand for low-carbon steel increases, so too will the demand for steel that’s made close to home. This paves the way for producers to transition towards low-carbon, responsible methods of production, and 7 Steel UK is proud to be leading the way. The steel industry has played a critical role in our nation’s past, and – through a focus on low-carbon, circular steel production – it has an even bigger part to play in our future. Our ambition is to support the development of the UK’s future infrastructure by supplying low-carbon steel to our customers across the country.To find out more about 7 Steel UK, visit www.7-steeluk.com.