Outokumpu Calvert Recognized with PEP Environmental Stewardship Award for Soft Lime Replacement Project
Partners for Environmental Progress has presented a 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award to Outokumpu Stainless, USA for its innovative Soft Lime Replacement Project at the Calvert stainless steel mill. The project reflects Outokumpu’s ongoing commitment to sustainability, operational excellence, and environmental stewardship.
The steel industry traditionally relies on significant quantities of lime in the melting process, a practice that carries a substantial CO₂ footprint. Over the past year, the Melt Shop team at Outokumpu Calvert investigated opportunities to reduce lime consumption and, by extension, the environmental impact of the stainless steel production process.
Through a pilot trial using straight limestone in the Electric Arc Furnace—bypassing the initial processing step that converts limestone into “soft lime”—the team discovered significant CO₂ savings. The results exceeded expectations.
“Outokumpu is committed to reducing its carbon footprint through an innovative solution,” said Herman Moggee, Head of Melt Shop Operations – Outokumpu Americas. “What began with skepticism quickly turned into excitement and dedication, as our team saw the real-world success of a method that is not commonly used in the stainless steel industry. And although we have found success, this soft lime replacement approach cannot be easily transferrable to other producers of different types of steel.”
The project delivered measurable environmental and operational benefits, including:
“This project has had a direct impact in reducing our overall CO₂ emissions and further demonstrates Outokumpu’s commitment to continual improvement in environmental standards—both locally in Calvert (Mobile County) and globally,” said Wayne Denton, Director of Environmental, Health & Safety – Outokumpu Americas.
The Soft Lime Replacement Project illustrates how targeted innovation in operational processes can yield substantial environmental benefits while also improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness. Outokumpu’s leadership emphasizes that sustainability is not just a policy but an actionable commitment embedded in every stage of production.
“Outokumpu is a globally recognized leader in sustainability, and the Calvert project is a clear example of our ongoing dedication to minimizing environmental impact and advancing responsible stewardship,” Denton added.
The PEP Environmental Stewardship Award highlights how businesses like Outokumpu can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve operational efficiency, and lead the way in sustainable industrial practices—setting a model for the global stainless steel industry.
Join us in congratulating Outokumpu Stainless, USA. Learn more about this special project in the video below. You can also learn about all of our 2025 Environmental Stewardship Award recipients on the PEP YouTube channel.