ArcelorMittal, the world’s largest steel and mining company, has launched a range of organic coated steels that have eliminated the need for the chemical Strontium chromate (SrCrO4). This chemical that has been used by the construction industry in coated steels for decades will be banned in 2016 under the European REACH regulatory framework (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical Substances), which came into force on 1 June 2007.

Long-standing research programs undertaken by ArcelorMittal Flat Carbon Europe (FCE) in partnership with paint suppliers have led to the development of new corrosion-inhibiting pigments, such as polyphosphates, silicates and ion-exchange resins. These effective, neutral and durable substitutes are the result of nearly 15 years of research by ArcelorMittal.

As the world’s largest and most innovative steelmaker, ArcelorMittal says it has long led the way in developing sustainable steel solutions for the construction industry, and the Nature range is the latest stage in that long and proud tradition. In 2011 alone, ArcelorMittal invested $306m in researching and developing new steel products, solutions and processes to support a low carbon world, demonstrating the sustainable advantages available through product innovation.

For many years, steel has been the responsible choice for the construction industry. Its natural advantages - strength and flexibility - coupled with its infinite recyclability mean that steel recovery within the construction industry is as high as 85%.

Organic coated steel is widely used in the building industry, in façades, roofing, cappings, ceilings and lighting. In these different applications, the coating ensures that the product can withstand the effects of weather and corrosives.

The benefits of the ArcelorMittal Nature collection are:

• Free of hexavalent chromium compounds (SVHC)
• Free of lead and other heavy metals
• Guaranteed for up to 30 years
• Fully tested by our R&D experts to extreme corrosion and weathering conditions, both in the laboratory and outdoors
• Innovative aesthetics for a more harmonious integration in the environment
• Reflective coatings allow more comfortable living conditions, reducing indoor temperatures by a few degrees in hot and sunny environments

ArcelorMittal is the leading global provider of steel for construction. Steel’s unique qualities offer a combination of structural support and aesthetic impact for some of the world’s most iconic structures. Its strength, versatility and attractive appearance mean it is in great demand from both architects and engineers.

ArcelorMittal’s steel has been used in famous landmarks around the world, including the new 1WTC in New York City, the Grand National Theatre of China in Beijing, the new Reichstag in Berlin, Germany, and the world’s first-ever zero emission polar research station, Princess Elisabeth Antarctica. Sporting venues around the world have been built with ArcelorMittal steel, from Johannesburg’s Soccer City to the Cape Town Stadium, both used for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, to the Wembley Stadium in London.