The European steel market is facing intensifying cost pressures as imported steel becomes subject to the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Starting in 2026, importers will be required to purchase certificates reflecting the carbon emissions associated with steel production, which will significantly reshape price dynamics. At the same time, uncertainty around the EU safeguard measure, high energy costs and increasing competition from other regions are intensifying commercial pressures for many producers and customers alike.
Yet demand for high-performance steels continues to rise, driven by corrosive and technically demanding environments in emerging sectors such as biopower, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and hydrogen technologies.
Against this backdrop, Alleima played an active role at the recent Stainless Steel World Conference & Expo, engaging both on stage, and in discussions with customers about how we can support manufacturers through deep material expertise and practical guidance. We also helped customers navigate evolving regulatory expectations around the CBAM through clear Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) and robust Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), where Alleima holds a strong position in Europe. The event further showcased our advanced materials and solutions for critical sectors, complemented by a replica of the VASA ship at our booth – a nod to our Swedish pride and metallurgical technology.
Corrosive and high-temperature resistant grades
Sanicro™ 35 took centre stage, not only for its corrosion resistance, but for the operational certainty it gives customers in seawater and other highly corrosive environments. By offering the performance of higher-cost alloys like 625 and C-276 at a more competitive total cost, it helps customers increase reliability while reducing material spend.
We also showcased our heat exchanger tubes, including U-bent tubes and finned tubes designed to maximize durability and heat-transfer efficiency in compact systems. For customers, this means longer service life, fewer unplanned shutdowns, and more efficient thermal performance under extreme conditions.
Together, these solutions demonstrate how Alleima materials help customers run safer, longer, and more cost-effectively in the demanding processes of next-generation energy and industrial applications.
Sustainability in focus
Sustainability remained a defining theme at the conference. In his presentation on materials science driving decarbonization, Håkan Sundström, Head of Governance and Sustainability, highlighted Alleima’s leadership in low-emission stainless steel production. Many of our grades contain more than 80% recycled scrap, and some up to 95%, underscoring our strong position in Europe on LCA and carbon footprint transparency. With regulations evolving rapidly, customers expressed growing interest in clearer reporting frameworks, making Alleima’s fact-based approach an increasingly valuable differentiator.
Continuing the technical dialogue, Bernardo Siza Vieira, Technical Marketing Specialist for Tube EMEA, presented on SAF™ 3006, one of the latest duplex innovations optimized for general corrosion resistance. The grade’s unique balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and weldability positions it as a compelling alternative to super-duplex stainless steels in demanding applications. The presentation drew strong interest from major industry players, including representatives from ExxonMobil, Fluor, and Shell. Questions centered on comparisons with conventional super-duplex grades and the availability of product forms.
From the very beginning
Alleima has been exhibiting at the Stainless Steel World Conference & Expo since its earliest editions in The Hague. Now in its 13th iteration, the event continues to be a valuable platform for industry connections, technical exchange, and market insights. This year, recurring themes included the rising complexity of CBAM reporting, increasing focus on hydrogen applications, and an emerging interest in defense-related steel grades, signalling the shifting priorities in European industry and new opportunities for Alleima.
As global industries accelerate toward cleaner energy and more efficient production, we remain committed to shaping the future of stainless steel through purposeful innovation. With ongoing investments in R&D, sustainability, and advanced material development, we will continue to partner with customers to solve the challenges of tomorrow, delivering steels that not only perform under extreme conditions but also support a more resilient and decarbonized world.