Outokumpu products' carbon footprint smallest i...

PRESS RELEASE
February 1,  2010 at 9.30 am EET


The recent Life Cycle Inventory Study on Stainless Steel Production in the EU
shows that Outokumpu stainless steel products have the smallest carbon
footprint, in general 10-20% smaller than the EU average. The good result has
been achieved through improved processes but also by optimizing the use of
recycled steel and by actively pursuing a low-carbon electricity mix. To further
develop Group's operations in the area of sustainability, Outokumpu publishes a
new Energy and low-carbon programme.

In the last ten years Outokumpu has managed to reduce the Group's direct carbon
dioxide (CO(2 )) emissions by 25% per ton of stainless steel produced. To ensure
leadership, Outokumpu's target is a further 20% reduction by 2020. Emissions are
calculated per ton of steel produced hence highlighting not only the actual
reductions but also production efficiency. Outokumpu carbon profile consists of
direct emissions from production operations, indirect emissions from purchased
electricity as well as emissions resulting from transport of products and
business travel. The targeted annual reduction is approximately 370 000 tons of
CO(2 )emissions totalling 2 200 000 tons during the programme period, calculated
against current capacity and products.

The primary actions within the programme consist of further improvements in
energy efficiency, increasing the share of carbon-free electricity and targeting
for efficient and optimal production levels. Additionally air travel offsetting
will be implemented for business travelling and sustainable aspects will be
integral when planning logistics and transportation.

CEO Juha Rantanen: "Being a global player in an energy-intensive industry means
great responsibility and we are making our contribution. The proportion of
recycled material in our products is already a lot higher than the global
average and our ferrochrome production is a world leader in both energy
efficiency and curbing CO(2) emissions. The new programme will further emphasize
the importance of low-emission energy sources and energy efficiency."

The Life Cycle Inventory Study on Stainless Steel Production in the EU was
carried out in 2009 by PE International. In the study CO(2 )footprints were
established for six common stainless steel products. In these groups the
identified minimum values were those of Outokumpu products.

The Energy and low-carbon programme can be downloaded from Outokumpu's website
www.outokumpu.com <

http://www.outokumpu.com/>

For more information please contact:

Juha Ylimaunu, Senior Vice President - Environment, Health & Quality Management,
tel. +358 9 421 2688, mobile [phone]

Mikko Rintamäki, Vice President - Energy, tel. [phone],
mobile +358 40 558 2289



Outokumpu is a global leader in stainless steel with the vision to be the
undisputed number one. Customers in a wide range of industries use our stainless
steel and services worldwide. Being fully recyclable, maintenance-free, as well
as very strong and durable material, stainless steel is one of the key building
blocks for sustainable future. Outokumpu employs some 7 500 people in more than
30 countries. The Group's head office is located in Espoo, Finland. Outokumpu is
listed on the NASDAQ OMX Helsinki.
www.outokumpu.com




[HUG#1378986]





    ENG Low-carbon programme: 

http://hugin.info/3010/R/1378986/339255.pdf