Ovako is a leading European specialty steel manufacturer for bearing, transportation, and manufacturing customers. Since 2019, Ovako has been a subsidiary of Sanyo Special Steel, owned by the Japanese Nippon Steel Corporation, the world's third-largest steel producer.  

Ovako Sweden is actively engaged in sustainability efforts with ambitious climate goals. To further reduce its carbon footprint, the company aims to switch to using climate-neutral lime for all steel production in Sweden. Rickard Qvarfort, Business Area Manager at Ovako Sweden, explains:  

"We have had carbon-neutral steel production since 2022, which we are very proud of, but we have higher ambitions. In our long-term sustainability strategy, we have a zero-emission vision, meaning we need to examine the entire value chain. Therefore, initiating cooperation with SMA and SaltX regarding the possible use of zero emission quicklime is of utmost importance to us."  

SMA Mineral and SaltX have previously entered agreements with SSAB and Norwegian Celsa Armeringsstål in 2023. Now Ovako Sweden joins these companies in their efforts to reduce carbon emissions in steel production by using climate-neutral lime. Carl-Johan Linér, CEO of SaltX remarks:  

"Our agreements with some of the world's leading steel companies demonstrate a strong commitment to change. We have a crucial role here together with SMA Mineral and we are ready to do our part to establish future climate-neutral lime facilities to meet the growing demand." 

Lime is a crucial input in various industrial processes, and there is significant interest in emission-free quicklime from other industries, such as the paper and pulp sectors. Per Bodén, CCO at SMA Mineral, adds:  

"When we presented our ZEQL (Zero Emission Quicklime) concept for electrified and emission-free production of quicklime to our customers, the reception was overwhelming. We clearly see that the demand will continue to grow, which further strengthens our investment in new electrified facilities." 

 
For more information:  
Carl-Johan Linér (CEO SaltX Technology) +46 705-32 08 08  
Svante Fielding (CEO SMA Mineral) +46 738-03 46 78 

 
About SaltX Technology:  
SaltX Technology is a Swedish green technology company that develops and markets sustainable technology beneficial to customers, the climate, and society. The company operates in electrification technology primarily for the lime and cement industry and large-scale industrial energy storage. SaltX Technology's stock is listed on the Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market. For more information, visit: www.saltxtechnology.com. 

About SMA Mineral:  
SMA Mineral is one of the largest lime producers in the Nordic region, supplying burnt lime to industries including steel and pulp & paper. For more information, visit: www.smamineral.se. 
About Ovako Sweden:  
Ovako manufactures pure, high-quality specialty steel for customers in the bearing, transportation, and manufacturing industries. Their steel enables lightweight, durable, and environmentally friendly products. Ovako's sustainability ambition is high, with carbon-neutral production since January 2022, based on recycled steel and fossil-free electricity. Ovako has approximately 2,900 employees in over 30 countries, with a turnover of around €1 billion. They are a subsidiary of Sanyo Special Steel and a member of Nippon Steel Corporation, one of the world's largest steel producers. For more information, visit: www.ovako.com, www.sanyo-steel.co.jp, and www.nipponsteel.com. 
About ZEQL:  
ZEQL [sequel] is an industrial partnership for electrified production of burnt lime co-owned by SMA Mineral and SaltX Technology. The manufacturing method and factory concept involve innovative electrification technology with CO2 separation. The first factory is planned to be operational by 2025. Visit www.zeql.com for more information.