Purem by Eberspaecher relies on sustainable stainless steel with lower carbon footprint

Esslingen (Germany) / Helsinki (Finland), 4 November 2025 – The Purem by Eberspaecher plant in Wilsdruff converted the production line for exhaust gas aftertreatment systems for the European market of a well-known commercial vehicle manufacturer to sustainable stainless steel. The material used is Outokumpu's towards-zero stainless steel called “Circle Green”. As part of its global purchasing strategy, the exhaust and acoustics specialist is now expanding the use of sustainable materials to further international markets.

The first exhaust gas aftertreatment systems made from sustainable stainless steel rolled off the production line at the Purem by Eberspaecher plant in Wilsdruff near Dresden, Germany, already in summer 2023. As part of a pilot project, around 90 percent of the most common steel grade used in the production line of one of the leading commercial vehicle manufacturers has been converted since the beginning of 2025. By the end of this year, the inner and outer shells as well as the insulation will be adapted to the new material. Therefore, Outokumpu Circle Green®, with up to 93 percent lower carbon footprint than the global industry average*, is utilized for the majority of exhaust technology components in series production for the European market. The systems are installed in medium- and heavy-duty vehicles like trucks, buses and construction machinery. Using the stainless steel alternative is an important step towards reducing Purem by Eberspaecher's Scope 3** emissions.

Activities continue worldwide
The commercial vehicle manufacturer's previous purchasing volume of Circle Green is in the high four-digit ton range, resulting in CO₂ savings of over 8,000 tCO₂ per year. "We are proactively driving forward the use of sustainable materials in our production facilities. This initiative is in line with our fundamental responsibility towards the environment and society – we are therefore proud to have achieved the conversion of an entire production line. This high order volume underlines our activities for a global sustainable purchasing strategy," emphasizes Jörg Steins, CEO of Purem by Eberspaecher and Eberspaecher Group. The Group of Companies is pursuing the goal of achieving CO₂-neutral production by 2030 and becoming a CO₂-neutral company by 2040. Detailed information about Eberspaecher’s corporate responsibility and sustainability activities can be found on the website and in the 2024 sustainability report.

The future of low-carbon solutions dependent on sustainable stainless steel
Circle Green is produced at Outokumpu’s plant in Tornio, Finland, and then delivered to Purem by Eberspaecher plant in Wilsdruff, Germany. Outokumpu’s Circle Green production was the first of its kind globally, as no other manufacturer has been able to produce CO₂-reduced stainless steel with such low emission levels when taking into account all the climate emissions from raw material extraction throughout the whole production chain. “The future of low-carbon solutions is heavily dependent on sustainable steel. The global demand is increasing while the steel industry as a whole is responsible for 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Stainless steel plays a pivotal role in accelerating the green transition and the automotive sector is one of where all solutions to cut emissions are heavily needed. We are proud to continue our collaboration with Purem by Eberspaecher, offering solutions for both passenger cars and commercial vehicles. The cooperation is yet another concrete action towards low-emission mobility in Europe,” says Matthieu Jehl, President for Stainless Europe at Outokumpu.

* Outokumpu's average product carbon footprint (2024): 1.6 kg CO₂e per kg of stainless steel based on lifecycle assessment. Global average carbon footprint of stainless steel (2024): 7 kg CO₂e per kg of stainless steel. (Outokumpu’s calculation based on data provided by CRU, worldstainless, and Kobolde & Partners AB).  
** Scope 3 emissions comprise all indirect greenhouse gas emissions that are not directly caused by the company but are attributable to its business activities.
 

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Global Media Contact: 
Anja Kaufer
Vice President Corporate and Public Relations 
Eberspächer Group
Phone: +49 711 939-0250
press[at]eberspaecher.com

Further Media Contact:
Outokumpu media desk
Phone: +358 40 351 9840
media[at]outokumpu.com

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About Purem by Eberspaecher:
Purem by Eberspaecher is a subsidiary of the Esslingen-based Eberspaecher Group. To achieve clean and quiet mobility, around 7,500 employees develop and produce exhaust and acoustic systems for passenger cars, CVs, and off-road vehicles. The technologies make a significant contribution to meeting the strictest emission standards and noise guidelines. Its customer base includes the world’s leading vehicle manufacturers. In 2024, the area within the group of companies generated revenue of around 4.7 billion euros. Net revenue adjusted for transitory items amounted to 2.1 billion euros.

About Eberspaecher:
With approximately 10,700 employees at 80 locations worldwide, the Eberspaecher Group is one of the automotive industry’s leading system developers and suppliers. The family business, headquartered in Esslingen am Neckar, stands for innovative solutions in exhaust technology, automotive electronics and thermal management for a broad range of vehicle types. In combustion or hybrid engines and in e-mobility, the components and systems from Eberspaecher ensure greater comfort, higher safety and a clean environment. Eberspaecher is paving the way for future technologies such as mobile and stationary fuel cell applications, synthetic fuels as well as the use of hydrogen as an energy carrier. In 2024, the Group generated revenue of around 5.3 billion euros. Net revenue adjusted for transitory items amounted to 2.7 billion euros.

About Outokumpu:
Outokumpu is accelerating the green transition as the global leader in sustainable stainless steel. Our business is based on the circular economy: our products are made from 95% recycled materials, which we then turn into fully recyclable stainless steel. This steel is utilized in various applications across society, including infrastructure, mobility, and household appliances. We are committed to 1.5°C target to mitigate climate change, and with up to 75% lower carbon footprint than the industry average, we support our customers to reduce their emissions. Together, we are working towards a world that lasts forever. Outokumpu Corporation employs approximately 8,700 professionals in close to 30 countries, with headquarters in Helsinki, Finland and shares listed in Nasdaq Helsinki. Read more: www.outokumpu.com