Environmental and socio-economic impacts of the circular economy transition in the EU steel sector: analysing steel material flows with life cycle-based and macroeconomic assessment models

Wagner, A.; Walker, A.M.; Albizzati, P.F.; Milios, L.; Besler, M.; Pedauga, L.; ... ; Tonini, D. (2025)

External research report

The EU steel sector can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 64-81 Mt CO2-eq. annually by 2050 through circular economy (CE) measures. CE can also significantly decrease EU demand for ores and energy products, leading to a EUR 7 billion annual increase in the EU trade balance with significant imports reduction from China, US, UK, and Russia. However, this may come with trade-offs such as reduced employment and gross value added, which need to be further studied. The study's findings are policy-relevant, highlighting the need for a holistic approach and policy mix to materialise CE potential and informing EU policymakers on strategies to support the steel sector's sustainable transition.

• Steel
• Circular Economy
• European Union
• Life Cycle Assessment
• Material Flow Analysis

• All authors: Wagner, A.; Walker, A.M.; Albizzati, P.F.; Milios, L.; Besler, M.; Pedauga, L.; Rostek, L.; Keramidas, K.; Pinero Mira, P.; Christis, M.; Fonteyn, P.; Petsinaris, F.; Zibell, L.; Tonini, D.
• Date: 2025-09-24
• Title of host publication: Publications Office of the European Union
• ISBN (print): 9789268310670
• ISBN (electronic): 9789268310670
• DOI: doi:10.2760/7855491
• Link: https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC142957
• Name: JRC142957