LIBERTY Steel UK is helping the government to 'build back better' and sustainably with the first orders for its green steel rebar, or GreBar, now set to ship.
LIBERTY Steel UK has received the first orders for its sustainably-produced GreBar, a green reinforcing solution that is designed to help support the government’s ‘build back better’ initiative.
Made from scrap metal melted in an electric arc furnace, LIBERTY Steel’s GreBar had successful trials at the firm’s Thrybergh bar mill in Rotherham over the summer. Now, it’s set to be shipped having secured full Cares and sustainability approval this week.
LIBERTY Steel says GreBar orders totalling nearly 10,000 tonnes will be delivered before the end of the year, building on the company’s strategy to supply GREENSTEEL components to UK construction and infrastructure projects, as well as reduce the country’s reliance on imported steel.
GreBar emerges in LIBERTY Steel UK’s Rotherham rolling mill. Image credit: Viktor Mácha
Steel reinforcing bar (rebar) is commonly used as a tension device for reinforced concrete structures in major road, rail and construction projects. At present, half of the 1.2m tonnes used annually in the UK is sourced from abroad. The HS2 rail project will require nearly one million tonnes of rebar alone.
The firm’s Rotherham mill is set to ramp up GreBar production over the coming months, with the ultimate goal being for capacity to reach 300,000 tonnes per annum.
Peter Gate, Commercial Director of Rebar for LIBERTY Steel UK said: “The UK government has pledged to ‘build back better’ from the pandemic and our rebar offering made through LIBERTY’s GREENSTEEL process offers customers the chance to use high-quality steel produced sustainably by a UK business.
“Reducing the UK’s reliance on imported rebar will cut transportation emissions and costs while strengthening the country’s supply chain for major construction projects.
“We have placed particular emphasis on developing the capability to provide 50mm rebar, which will give customers a broader UK market offering in this size and help drive design and cost efficiencies in construction.”
LIBERTY Steel UK is the third largest steel manufacturer in the country and has a heritage that dates back to 1842. The company has a footprint that covers nine sites across England, Scotland and Wales and employs nearly 3,000 people.
