Alfa Laval, a global leader in industrial equipment within the areas of heat transfer, separation, and fluid handling, aims to be carbon neutral by 2030. This will require new innovative solutions to reduce carbon emissions throughout the value chain. To help achieve this, the company formed a partnership with SSAB in 2022, with the aim of producing the first ever heat exchanger made with fossil-free steel. 

Alfa Laval has now broadened the partnership and will begin using SSAB Zero™ in its heat exchangers. SSAB Zero™ is made from recycled steel and produced using fossil-free energy, meaning it has zero carbon emissions (less than 0.05 kg CO₂e emissions per kg steel in scope 1 and 2) in operations, including purchased energy and transportation. 

"By incorporating recycled steel in our heat exchangers, we are not only reducing our own carbon footprint but also driving the entire value chain towards a cleaner and more sustainable future,” says Thomas Møller, President of the Energy Division at Alfa Laval.

According to Alfa Laval’s calculations, using SSAB Zero™ for its heat exchangers frames will reduce the product’s carbon footprint by up to 40 percent compared to a similar specification. In addition, Alfa Laval is also incorporating recycled carbon black in the heat exchanger's gaskets. This will result in further carbon emission reductions for a complete unit.

“This is a journey, and we are constantly exploring how we can incorporate sustainable materials in more components,” says Thomas Møller. “Over time, we are of the opinion that zero-emission materials such as fossil-free steel will become the new standard in the industry.”

Initially, up to 100 heat exchangers will be produced this year – and significantly more in the coming years. “Once ready and delivered these heat exchangers will be installed in industrial processes and enable efficient heat transfer in applications ranging from HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) to green hydrogen production,” adds Thomas Møller. “Just imagine the impact of heat exchangers using zero-emission materials, that also make global industries more energy efficient.”