Aperam South America aims to reduce up to 80% of emissions related to air transport of documents by expanding its partnership with DHL Express, a global logistics and distribution company specializing in GoGreen solutions. Through this initiative, all documentation related to the steelmaker’s exports will be 100% transported using SAF, short for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, also known as the ‘fuel of the future,’ which emits up to 80% less CO2 than traditional jet fuel (Jet Fuel).
SAF is a green alternative to jet fuel, derived from raw materials such as cooking oil, organic waste, corn, sugarcane, hydrogen, and CO2 synthesis. Due to its chemical structure being similar to conventional fossil-based aviation fuels, SAF can be blended with jet fuel in aircraft and achieve up to an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions—current blending rates are limited to 50% due to legal requirements.
Additionally, no modifications to aircraft engines are required, and it enables the reduction or even elimination of other harmful emissions, such as sulfur particles.
Decarbonization of scope 3
The partnership will allow Aperam—carbon neutral in scopes 1 and 2, covering its own operations and energy use—to advance decarbonization in scope 3, delivering a positive and measurable environmental impact. DHL Express will provide, for example, detailed reports with metrics on distance traveled and the volume of reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, it will issue an annual certificate to ensure transparency and traceability of the results achieved.
According to Rodrigo Damasceno, Commercial and Logistics Director at Aperam, this is another important step for the company, which is committed to decarbonization across its entire production chain. ‘After achieving neutrality in scopes 1 and 2, our goal now is to advance low-carbon technologies in scope 3 as well, joining efforts with our partners and suppliers, such as DHL Express,’ he noted.
‘The adoption of alternative aviation fuels is a pioneering initiative that will position us as a global leader in decarbonizing the transportation sector, reinforcing our commitment to a more responsible and sustainable future,’ Damasceno added.
According to Claudia Pechnicki, Sales Manager at DHL Express, the partnership demonstrates DHL’s progress in sustainable practices in the logistics sector through targets aligned with the DHL Group’s zero-emission goal by 2050. ‘DHL Express has a clear commitment to reducing CO2 emissions. Through the GoGreen solution, our customers can achieve decarbonization targets in scope 3. The use of SAF is a concrete and effective measure,’ she explained.
Neutrality in scopes 1 and 2
In 2024, Aperam achieved carbon-neutral status in scopes 1 and 2 for the fourth consecutive year, as confirmed by the Verification Statement issued by Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS), a leader in testing, inspection, and certification following audits.
The document shows that the integrated operations of the Timóteo steel plant in Vale do Aço (MG) and the BioEnergia unit in Vale do Jequitinhonha emitted 413.3 ktCO2e in 2023 and removed 450 ktCO2e in the same year.
Neutrality in scopes 1 and 2 was first certified for Aperam in 2020, nine years after the company permanently eliminated the use of coke in its blast furnaces. Derived from mineral coal, coke is a fossil fuel responsible for the majority of emissions generated by the steel industry.
