Aperam joins DHL Express green fuel program to reduce emissions from its air document transport by up to 80%

Aperam South America aims to reduce emissions related to air document transport by up to 80% through 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, an acronym for Sustainable Aviation Fuel, also known as the “fuel of the future,” which emits up to 80% less CO2 than traditional aviation kerosene (Jet Fuel).

SAF is a green alternative to aviation kerosene, 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 kerosene in aircraft and generate up to 80% reduction in CO2 emissions – current blending rates are limited to 50% due to legal requirements.

Furthermore, no aircraft engine modifications are required, and it enables the reduction or even elimination of other harmful emissions, such as sulfur particles.

Scope 3 Decarbonization

The partnership will enable Aperam – carbon neutral in scopes 1 and 2, which involve its own operations and energy use – to advance decarbonization in scope 3, promoting a positive and measurable environmental impact. DHL Express will provide, for example, detailed reports with indicators of distance traveled and the volume of reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, it will issue an annual certificate ensuring transparency and traceability of the achieved results.

According to Aperam's Commercial and Logistics Director, Rodrigo Damasceno, this is another important step for the company, committed to decarbonization throughout its production chain. “After achieving neutrality in scopes 1 and 2, our goal now is to advance low-carbon technologies also in scope 3, joining efforts with our partners and suppliers, as is the case with DHL Express,” he noted.

“The application of alternative aviation fuels is a pioneering initiative and will position us as a global leader in the decarbonization of the transport matrix, reinforcing our commitment to a more responsible and sustainable future,” added Damasceno.

For DHL Express Sales Manager, Claudia Pechnicki, the partnership shows that DHL advances sustainable practices in the logistics sector through goals that are part of the DHL Group's zero emissions by 2050 target. “DHL Express has a clear commitment to reducing CO2 emissions. Through the GoGreen solution, our clients can achieve decarbonization goals in scope 3. The use of SAF is a concrete and effective measure,” she explains.

Neutrality in Scopes 1 and 2

In 2024, Aperam achieved, for the fourth consecutive year, carbon neutral balance in scopes 1 and 2, according to a Verification Statement issued by Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS), a benchmark in testing, inspection, and certification, following audits.

The document shows that the integrated operations of the Timóteo steel plant in the Steel Valley (MG) and the BioEnergy unit in the Jequitinhonha Valley 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 and is responsible for the majority of emissions generated by steelmaking.