Outokumpu commissions acid regeneration plant in Sweden

The world's leading stainless steel producer Finland-based Outokumpu has announced that its state-of-the-art acid regeneration plant has been commissioned in Avesta, Sweden, today, May 25. The main reason for this project by Outokompu is an environmental requirement that imposes a reduction in nitrate emissions to the river Dalälven to one third of previous levels. The project started in March 2009 and the investment totaled €28 million ($39 million).
 
In the regeneration plant, the acid used in the annealing and pickling line is recycled. Over 95 percent of the acid can now be reused in the production, which reduces the use of new acid dramatically. The plant also separates metals that are reused as raw material in the steelworks. This means that less waste has to be sent to landfill.
 
"Up to 90 percent of Outokumpu's stainless special grades are made out of recycled steel. The environmental aspects of our operations are very important to us and our stakeholders," stated Jacob Sandberg, site manager of Outokumpu in Avesta.