Driving sustainable innovation: 4 years of XCarb^® in automotive

For the past four years, ArcelorMittal's XCarb^® initiative has been shaping the future of sustainable steel in the automotive industry. Through pioneering advancements and strategic collaborations, XCarb^® recycled and renewably produced steel has played a critical role in reducing the carbon footprint of vehicles while maintaining the highest standards of safety and performance.

Increasing XCarb^® production

ArcelorMittal is also investing in economic projects that will continue the growth of the XCarb^® offer.

In Sestao, ArcelorMittal is increasing the site’s EAF capacity. Currently, around a quarter of Sestao's output is XCarb^® recycled and renewably produced, which is manufactured with a minimum of 75% scrap and using 100% renewable electricity. As customer demand for low -carbon-emissions steel grows, Sestao is ramping up its production of XCarb^® recycled and renewably produced, with a target of producing 1.6 million tonnes this year. By the end of 2026, the forecast is for Sestao's product mix to be two-thirds XCarb^®.

Taking XCarb^® beyond Europe, ArcelorMittal’s North American business, ArcelorMittal Dofasco in Hamilton, is also catering to customer demands for XCarb^® recycled and renewably produced steel. And, ArcelorMittal Brasil also offers XCarb^® steel certificates to its customers.

“We would like to thank the Automotive Tier Ones and OEMs in the supply chain for having successfully tested and trialled Usibor^® 1500 with XCarb^® recycled and renewably produced substrate, the automotive reference product for hot stamping.”

As we celebrate this milestone, we look back at key automotive innovations made possible by XCarb^®, including the latest breakthrough: the hot stamped, laser-welded blank door ring made with Usibor^® 1500 and XCarb^® recycled and renewably produced substrate.

A reference in hot stamping: Hot stamped, Laser Welded Blank door ring made with Usibor^® 1500 and XCarb^®, recycled and renewably produced substrate

This innovative door ring sets a new standard for hot stamping, offering a unique combination of weight savings, passenger safety, and a significantly reduced CO₂ footprint. Key features include:

Laser ablation technology – removing the AlSi coating without damaging the intermetallic layer or steel substrate.
Laser welded blanks technology – ensuring the right steel in the right thickness is used in the right place to optimise crash performance while reducing weight and emissions.
Sustainable production – manufactured in an electric arc furnace (EAF) using 100% renewable electricity and at least 75% scrap, leading to a carbon footprint almost 70% lower on a life-cycle basis compared to non-XCarb^® alternatives (product carbon footprint data is available upon request).