ArcelorMittal Powers Paris 2024 with Low-Carbon Steel Innovation

ArcelorMittal, led by Lakshmi Mittal, highlights its low-carbon steel partnership with the Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics. The company’s XCarb steel features in the Olympic Torches, Rings, and Agitos symbols. Notably, the initiative marks a reduced carbon footprint, with Paris reusing torches and promoting gender equality in sports.

ArcelorMittal, the steel giant owned by Indian entrepreneur Lakshmi Mittal, is emphasizing its low-carbon steel partnership for the upcoming Paris 2024 Olympics and Paralympics.

The Luxembourg-based firm announced this week that its recycled XCarb steel is behind the Olympic Torches, Rings, and Agitos symbols gracing iconic Paris landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe.

This year's Games set a milestone by reusing the Olympic Torches, cutting down the production number from the previous 12,000 to just 2,000, significantly reducing the carbon footprint.

Ian Louden, Head of Brand for ArcelorMittal, stated that the Games transcend sports, aiming to unite the world on a platform of equality, peace, and shared beliefs. For the first time, Paris 2024 will feature equal numbers of male and female athletes.

ArcelorMittal had previously partnered with the London 2012 Olympics, resulting in the ArcelorMittal Orbit created by artist Anish Kapoor.

For the Paris Games, which will run from July 26 to August 11, the firm provided steel and manufacturing expertise for the Torch and what are known as the "Spectaculars" – the Olympic Rings and the Paralympics Agitos – designed by engineer Professor Pierre Engel. The project involved about 200 people and overcame several challenges, including strict timelines and safety considerations.

The Olympic Rings, measuring 29 meters wide by 15 meters high, are displayed between the first and second floors of the Eiffel Tower. They are illuminated at night, symbolizing the five continents.

ArcelorMittal's XCarb products, produced through an electric arc furnace using high levels of scrap steel and 100% renewable energy, result in a carbon footprint as low as 300kg of CO2 per tonne of finished steel. The Paris 2024 project utilized scrap steel from end-of-life cars and washing machines.

The "Spectaculars" are expected to remain beyond the Olympics, with the Paris Mayor aiming to keep them up until at least the end of the year and possibly for future Games in France.

Paris is preparing for a grand opening ceremony on July 26, where the Torch will travel down the River Seine to the Olympic Cauldron at a secret location.

ArcelorMittal Chairman Lakshmi Mittal highlighted that the global event aligns with the company values of raising the bar, promoting inclusion and diversity, and striving for net-zero emissions.

(With inputs from agencies.)