Alstom, Outokumpu: Rail Innovations, Sustainable Transport Future

Alstom and Outokumpu Forge Partnership for Low-Emission Stainless Steel in Metro Cars

In a significant stride towards sustainable urban mobility, Alstom, a global leader in rail transport solutions, has partnered with Outokumpu, a pioneering producer of sustainable stainless steel. The collaboration, announced on June 17, 2025, aims to integrate low-emission stainless steel into the manufacturing of Alstom’s Metropolis metro cars. This initiative directly supports Alstom’s ambitious eco-design principles, which target a 30% reduction in carbon emissions from purchased goods and services by 2030. The partnership will see the delivery of Outokumpu’s Circle Green stainless steel, utilizing up to a 93% reduced carbon footprint compared to conventional stainless steel, beginning in 2026. This article delves into the specifics of this groundbreaking alliance, its technological implications, the strategic advantages it provides, and the anticipated effects on the railway industry.

Sustainability at the Forefront: The Alliance and its Impact

The core of this partnership lies in addressing the escalating necessity for environmentally conscious transportation solutions. Alstom’s decision to collaborate with Outokumpu highlights the company’s proactive approach to sustainability. The primary aim of the partnership is to incorporate Outokumpu’s Circle Green stainless steel into the outer layer of Alstom Metropolis metro cars. This grade of stainless steel enables a higher steel scrap content rate, further reducing its environmental impact. For Alstom, the shift will meaningfully reduce its CO₂ emissions. For Outokumpu, the contract is its largest within the mobility sector, emphasizing the growing trend of utilizing sustainable materials in rail manufacturing. This strategic alliance allows Alstom to meet its eco-design targets, driving the company closer to its sustainability goals.

Technical Innovations: Circle Green Stainless Steel and its Benefits

Outokumpu’s Circle Green stainless steel is a key element of this collaborative project. This material is produced with a significantly lower carbon footprint, offering up to a 93% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to the standard grades, thanks to its higher use of recycled materials and efficient manufacturing processes. Rolf Schencking, President of Outokumpu Business Line Advanced Materials, emphasized the versatility of stainless steel as a critical material in reducing emissions within the transport sector. The utilization of this advanced material in Alstom’s latest generation of Metropolis metro trains showcases a commitment to sustainability at the design level, enhancing the lifecycle sustainability of rail vehicles. This focus on eco-friendly materials provides Alstom with a competitive advantage and also helps to establish industry best practices.

Strategic Advantages: Supporting Decarbonization in Urban Rail

The Alstom-Outokumpu partnership is a response to the increasing demand for low-carbon transportation solutions, addressing the need for both eco-friendly transport and expanding urban infrastructure. By using Circle Green stainless steel, Alstom significantly reduces its environmental impact, aligning with global sustainability goals. The integration of sustainable materials not only lessens carbon emissions but also showcases Alstom’s commitment to innovation and technological progress. This is particularly relevant as cities across the globe focus on expanding and modernizing their public transportation networks to encourage sustainability initiatives. The first deployment of this sustainable stainless steel will be on a metro train project in Europe, illustrating Alstom’s leadership in transitioning to eco-friendly materials in urban transit systems.

Seville Metro Signaling Upgrade: Enhancing Safety and Reliability

Further demonstrating its commitment to operational excellence, Alstom has recently been awarded a maintenance and upgrade contract for the Seville Metro’s signaling system in Spain. This project will involve the maintenance of trackside and onboard equipment, with the goal of bolstering the line’s availability and safety. While separate from the stainless steel partnership, this contract reinforces Alstom’s extensive capabilities in providing comprehensive rail solutions from infrastructure development to the supply of components. The Seville Metro project demonstrates Alstom’s dedication to delivering comprehensive solutions that combine cutting-edge technology with unwavering dedication to reliability and safety in all aspects of its business.

Conclusion

The partnership between Alstom and Outokumpu represents a pivotal moment in the railway industry, underscoring the increasing importance of sustainability in all aspects of rail transport. The collaboration is a clear example of how material innovation can directly drive down carbon emissions and contribute to a greener future for urban mobility. By integrating Circle Green stainless steel, Alstom is not just reducing its environmental impact but also leading the way for other manufacturers to prioritize eco-friendly practices. The partnership shows how companies can leverage collaborative innovation to address pressing environmental concerns and achieve strategic advantages. This collaborative model may well serve as a blueprint for the future of rail manufacturing, encouraging a broader shift towards the use of sustainable materials and eco-design principles.

Company Summaries

Alstom: Alstom is a global leader in rail transport solutions, offering a wide range of products and services, including rolling stock, signaling, infrastructure, and maintenance. Alstom’s commitment to sustainable mobility is evident in its focus on eco-design principles and its pursuit of innovative partnerships like the one with Outokumpu. Alstom is continuously investing in research and development to bring sustainability and safety to urban transport.

Outokumpu: Outokumpu is a leading producer of stainless steel, with a strong emphasis on sustainability. The company’s Circle Green stainless steel represents a major step in reducing the environmental impact of its products. Their innovation and dedication to sustainability make them a key partner for companies committed to creating green solutions within the transport sector.