Strengthening supply chain resilience in the steel industry

A critical lever in steel industry decarbonisation lies in the transformation of the carbon supply chain, directly affecting cost stability, operational resilience, and long-term competitiveness.

Today, most steel producers remain dependent on fossil-based reductants such as metallurgical coke, coal, and anthracite. These materials are increasingly volatile in both price and availability. In recent years, disruptions in global energy markets, trade restrictions, and geopolitical tensions have led to supply uncertainty across Europe. For steelmakers, this volatility translates into production risk and unpredictable input costs.

Biochar, (or biocarbon) produced from sustainably sourced biomass, offers a renewable and regional alternative to fossil carbon. Unlike coal and coke, which are concentrated in a few export-dependent markets, biochar can be produced locally, near steel plants or within existing industrial clusters.

This geographic flexibility enables steel producers to:

• Reduce exposure to global fossil market volatility and import dependencies.
• Secure stable, long-term supply agreements with local, sustainable partners.
• Utilise regional biomass residues, creating circular value chains.

By partially substitutingfossil reductants with biochar, steel producers can enhance supply security while supporting domestic industrial ecosystems.

A strategic lever for industrial resilience

While full-scale hydrogen and electrification pathways will take time to mature, biochar represents a deployable solution in the short term that enhances both sustainability and strategic autonomy for the steel industry. 

By integrating renewable, locally produced carbon into their operations, steelmakers can lower emissions and strengthen regional value creation. In doing so, they are not only decarbonising, they are building a more resilient, future-proof industry.

At Carbo Culture, we produce high-quality biocarbon tailored for metallurgical applications. Our mission is to deliver renewable carbon solutions that help heavy industry achieve their climate goals and secure competitiveness, today and for the long term.