How Finnfjord is Pioneering Sustainability in the Ferrosilicon Industry

How can an energy-intensive industry significantly cut CO₂ emissions? Finnfjord AS, a leading producer of ferrosilicon, ferromanganese, and nut coke based in Troms and Finnmark county, Norway, is proving that growth and sustainability can go hand in hand. With a bold goal to become the world’s first ferrosilicon producer without CO₂ emissions, Finnfjord is setting new benchmarks in environmental responsibility.

Operating three furnaces with a total production capacity of 100,000 tonnes per year, Finnfjord has invested heavily in energy efficiency and carbon reduction initiatives. The company’s advanced energy recovery system generates approximately 340 GWh of electricity annually—equivalent to the energy needs of 22,000 households—by extracting thermal energy from off-gases produced during metal production. This makes Finnfjord one of the most energy-efficient ferrosilicon producers worldwide. Since 2014, it has also partnered with UiT (The Arctic University of Norway) on an innovative algae project designed to further reduce its CO₂ footprint. In addition to its technological advancements, Finnfjord employs 150 people and records total sales of approximately 180 million USD.

Finnfjord’s sustainability efforts have not gone unnoticed. In recognition of its outstanding commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and providing transparency to its customers, Finnfjord was awarded the Metalshub Supplier Award in the category of Sustainability for 2024. This award underscores the company’s leadership in implementing innovative solutions to enhance energy efficiency and lower emissions.

Brynjulv Gjerde, the Commercial Director of Finnfjord AS, accepted the award on behalf of the team, stating:

To make its vision a reality, Finnfjord partnered with Metalshub, leveraging its digital solutions to optimise trades, improve traceability, and enhance supply chain efficiency. Through this collaboration, Finnfjord has been able to:

• Market their lower product carbon footprint (PCF): Metalshub enables Finnfjord to showcase its sustainability data, allowing buyers to make informed purchasing decisions based on emissions transparency.
• Discover low-carbon focused buyers: Metalshub’s platform helps Finnfjord identify and connect with buyers prioritising low-carbon materials, strengthening its sustainability-driven market position.
• Speed up sales processes: Metalshub reduces administrative burdens by structuring all data in a centralised system, enabling faster transactions and a more efficient sales process.

Finnfjord’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond carbon footprint reduction. The company has received a gold rating from EcoVadis, placing it among the top 4% of its industry peers in sustainability performance. This recognition highlights Finnfjord’s excellence in environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.

Through Metalshub, Finnfjord can effectively communicate its ESG credentials, ensuring customers are informed about its industry-leading sustainability achievements.

Through its collaboration with Metalshub, Finnfjord has gained an improved way to market its low product carbon footprint, ensuring transparency for purchasing managers comparing offers across ferrosilicon producers. Key outcomes include:

• Sales Growth: Exceeded €100 million in revenue since partnering with Metalshub, showcasing the platform’s impact on business expansion.
• Product Carbon Footprint: Achieved a median PCF of 5 mt CO₂ per metric ton of FeSi in 2024, reinforcing Finnfjord’s leadership in sustainable metallurgy.
• Transparency in Offers: In 2024, 75% of Finnfjord’s offers on Metalshub included PCF data, ensuring buyers have clear visibility into sustainability metrics.

By embracing digitalisation, Finnfjord is transforming the ferrosilicon industry and proving that economic success and sustainability can go hand in hand. With Metalshub’s support, Finnfjord has taken a significant step toward its goal of CO₂-free production. As industries worldwide look for ways to meet their climate commitments, Finnfjord serves as a clear example of how technology and sustainability-driven strategies can lead the way to a greener future.