Through the program, the plant is melting down old coal-burning stoves and producing new steel that is transformed into bicycle racks. So far, more than 100 bike racks have been produced for city schools. 

In a statement, ArcelorMittal said the plant and Kraków City Hall are collaborating on the initiative. 

Since the beginning of 2018, the company started paying a bonus to residents who choose to replace their coal or wood-fired stoves for a new low-emission heater subsidized by the city. The Kraków plant is approaching 600 old stoves, which will be turned into the bike racks.

"For years we have been investing in projects that allow us to limit the impact of our plants on the environment," said Geert Verbeeck, chief executive and deputy chairman of ArcelorMittal Poland.

"We have already spent PLN3 billion for this purpose. We understand the impact heating homes with low-quality fuels can have and we wanted to support City Hall's efforts to limit it."

The Kraków plant has collected almost 600 old stoves, which will be turned into the bike racks. The bike rack design, which was voted on by city residents, was inspired by the arches of Kraków Cloth Hall, a recognizable city icon dating back to the Renaissance.

The exchange of old stoves will continue to September 2019. 

"Any support received in fulfilling this goal is very valuable for us, which is why I am glad that large companies – like ArcelorMittal – support this municipal program, particularly because scrap from the melted stoves will contribute to the development of ecological bicycle transport, which significantly contributes to improving air quality," ​said Kraków  Mayor Jacek Majchrowski.