Steel has always been more than just a material for construction. It is the backbone of industrialization, the foundation of infrastructure, and the silent partner in every nation’s growth story. India today is standing at the threshold of unprecedented expansion, with 150 new airports planned by 2030, 2,500 hospitals, redevelopment of 1,000 railway stations, nearly 1 billion square feet of commercial workspaces, and around 70 million new homes. The scale is extraordinary, and steel will be the core enabler of this transformation. But growth cannot come at the cost of our environment. The construction sector alone contributes nearly 30 percent of direct and indirect carbon dioxide emissions, and if we continue down the conventional path, we risk compromising our climate goals and future generations’ well-being. The National Mission on Sustainable Steel challenges us to change this equation, to ensure that the very material driving growth also becomes the force that decarbonizes our economy.
At APL Apollo, we have embraced this mission by embedding sustainability into every layer of our operations. We have not treated it as a compliance requirement but as a responsibility and an opportunity. Our efforts begin at the resource stage. Through a 56 MW open-access solar plant, we are reducing dependence on fossil energy. By deploying 30 electric vehicles for inbound raw material logistics and in-plant movement, we are cutting emissions in transportation. Water, one of the most precious resources, is conserved through two large rainwater harvesting ponds of 45,000 and 50,000 kilolitres capacity and is supported by 18 recharge pits, ensuring that our plants in Raipur, Murbad, and Mallur operate as zero-liquid discharge facilities. These initiatives are not symbolic; they are measurable and impactful actions that directly contribute to national sustainability targets.
Sustainability for us is also about innovation in steel products themselves. We take pride in being pioneers under the “Steel for Green” concept. Our readymade steel solutions like chaukhat, planks, fences, and handrails have replaced traditional wooden applications, saving nearly 400,000 trees every year. This is not just a product substitution; it is an example of how steel can become a protector of forests and biodiversity. Our journey has also been defined by groundbreaking product innovations. India’s first 500x500x20 mm structural steel tubes, India’s first and the world’s second 1,000×1,000×40 mm structural steel tubes.
The world’s first color-coated Flat Product with marble, wood, wrinkle, and camouflage finishes, and the world’s first thicker color-coated flat steel products up to 3.0 mm are all examples of how we are reimagining steel for sustainability. Each of these innovations contributes to reducing reliance on high-emission reinforced concrete, as research confirms that switching from RCC to steel structures can cut carbon emissions by up to 60 percent. With a strength-to-weight ratio nearly three times higher than RCC, steel allows us to build taller, lighter, and faster, optimizing both resources and emissions.
Our patented tubular solutions and products like Purlio purlins are further advancing sustainable construction. With multi-layered protection, durability, and aesthetic finishes, they provide not only structural strength but also long-lasting sustainability benefits. In the emerging field of renewable energy infrastructure, our pre-painted galvanized and galvalume solar structures are setting new standards. They offer greater strength, flexibility, corrosion resistance, and reliability while supporting the growth of clean energy in India. In this way, steel is not only becoming greener but is also enabling the very industries that will drive India’s low-carbon transition.
While manufacturing and innovation are critical, the final test of sustainability lies in how the market embraces it. Consumers and industries today are demanding products that align with environmental and social responsibility. At APL Apollo, we have integrated ESG – environmental, social, and governance principles – at the heart of our business. This means that along with reducing our environmental footprint, we create a positive social impact through employment, community development, and support for sports.
We ensure workplace safety, inclusivity, and fairness in governance, building trust with all our stakeholders. These practices are not only about doing good but also about strengthening our competitiveness in global markets. With 11 plants, 4.3 million tonnes of annual capacity, and presence in 30 countries, our sustainability journey gives us both a domestic advantage and a global footprint. Awards such as Sustainable Organization of the Year by ET Edge and Brand of the Decade at the Goal Fest Conclave reaffirm that sustainability and profitability can go hand in hand.
The National Mission on Sustainable Steel is, however, not a responsibility of one company or one sector. It is a collective national movement. Policymakers must create enabling frameworks, industry players must invest in cleaner technologies and innovation, and markets must reward sustainable products. If we succeed, we will not only meet India’s domestic infrastructure goals but also position ourselves as a global leader in green steel. The world is already demanding low-carbon materials, and India, with its scale and innovation, has the potential to become a global hub for sustainable steel production and exports. Imagine Indian green steel not only building our airports and metros but also becoming the backbone of sustainable construction in cities across the world.
Also Read: Sambhv Steel Tubes Limited Charts Integrated Growth with Greenfield Expansion and Value-Added Focus
If we embed sustainability into every stage of this journey, the structures we build will not only stand as symbols of progress but also as testaments of our responsibility towards the planet. At APL Apollo, we are committed to this journey with innovation as our strength, responsibility as our guiding principle, and sustainability as our legacy. Together, let us ensure that the National Mission on Sustainable Steel becomes not just a vision but a reality, one that builds an India that is stronger, smarter, and greener.
Disclaimer – The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and are intended for informational purposes only. Certain data, research inputs, and graphical representations have been sourced from publicly available open sources on the internet and are used here for reference and illustrative purposes.
