Nucor's low-carbon steel strategy: EAF technology, scrap control, and Scope 3 reporting for automakers

Nucor is producing low-carbon steel by using electric arc furnaces instead of blast furnaces, combined with compact strip production that skips slab reheating. The company controls scrap sourcing through its subsidiary David J. Joseph Company, separating scrap by source to manage residual elements like copper. This approach yields cleaner input streams and consistent steel chemistry for automotive customers. Nucor provides third-party verified product-level emissions data to help automakers report credible Scope 3 reductions. The company also runs scrap buyback programs with OEMs, turning manufacturing scrap back into new steel. Vertical integration across coating lines and fabrication units gives Nucor supply security and shorter lead times for customers in automotive and construction sectors.