Since 2023, Wuppermann has been offering its customers the option to precisely calculate the CO₂ footprint of individual steel products. The calculated emissions are confirmed by a certificate. The methodology, verified by the Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety and Energy Technology UMSICHT, takes into account emissions from key input materials (hot-rolled coil and zinc), the galvanizing process, transport, and packaging. Emissions are calculated individually for each delivery item and provided to the customer in the form of a certificate.
The existing model has now been extended to include additional products. As a result, the individual CO₂ footprint can now be determined for almost the entire Wuppermann product range. This extension was again reviewed and confirmed by the Fraunhofer Institute UMSICHT in 2025.
New Product Groups Included
The CO₂ calculation model now also covers the following product groups:
- WProtect: A high-performance protective film is applied to hot-dip galvanized steel strip with widths from 600 mm, offering enhanced corrosion resistance and long-term protection for the finished product.
- WTopCor: This product line features a zinc-magnesium alloy coating that provides effective corrosion protection with low CO₂ emissions.
- Tubes: Wuppermann’s tube portfolio includes black and pickled tubes, as well as tubes with zinc or zinc-magnesium coatings, available in various shapes and diameters.
- Profiles: Wuppermann manufactures both pickled and coated profiles with a range of cross-sections.
Individual Calculation Methodology
Wuppermann calculates CO₂ emissions individually for each customer invoice item, based on the delivered quantity of steel strip. The specific weight ratios of steel to zinc or zinc-magnesium, as well as the WProtect film, are taken into account. Emissions from the production sites' specific processes are also considered.
For the input material hot-rolled coil, emission factors are based on EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations), PCFs (Product Carbon Footprints), or similar certifications from suppliers. If no specific emission factors are available, the EU average is used.
Emission factors for transport – including the mode of transport (truck, rail, or ship), distances, and internal logistics – are calculated individually for each delivery.
Transparent CO₂ Certificates
The issued certificates offer a clear overview of CO₂ emissions and include the following details:
- Emissions per tonne (CFP)
- Reference emissions of the conventional cold-rolled galvanizing process and the corresponding CO₂ savings
- Total emissions of the ordered products
- Individual CFPs for each ordered product
Low-CO₂ Product WTopCarb
A large part of the product portfolio is also available as a low-carbon variant under the name WTopCarb. This refers to galvanized hot-rolled coil with a physically reduced CO₂ footprint of less than 1 tonne of CO₂ equivalent per tonne:
WTopCarb stands at Wuppermann for galvanized hot-rolled coil with a physical reduction of the CO₂ footprint to a value of less than 1 t CO₂-eq. / t galvanized hot-rolled coil.
