Meridian Steel is one of the UK’s largest premium stockholders and processors, specialising in strip mill products. The company’s Dudley and Sheffield sites, combined, currently provide over 150,000 metric tonnes of high-quality steel to multiple industries across Europe. As Meridian Steel grew into a key player in its industry, employees increasingly recognised that sustainability was not just a corporate responsibility but a crucial factor in the company’s long-term success, particularly in high-emission industrial sectors like its own.
We recently sat down with Satwat Nawabzada, Sustainability & Project Officer at Meridian Steel, who shared why the company is eager to showcase its commitments to sustainability and take advantage of the multitude of opportunities available to businesses that take credible action to reduce their environmental impact.
The Challenge
Prior to engaging with Positive Planet, the introduction of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) legislation presented a financial and operational challenge. The tax levy on carbon-intensive imports meant that Meridian Steel and its customers faced rising costs, directly affecting profit margins. Without a clear sustainability strategy, the company risked significant financial strain, as well as potential disruptions in customer relationships within an increasingly environmentally conscious market.
Additionally, Meridian Steel faced growing pressure from customers who are conducting Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) to better understand the environmental impact of their products. Many of these customers were on their own sustainability journeys and required foundational data from the company to progress with their assessments. However, due to a lack of necessary insights and documentation, Meridian Steel struggled to provide this information efficiently, making it difficult to meet customer expectations.
The Positive Planet Solution
Meridian Steel decided to work with Positive Planet to establish a structured and measurable approach to sustainability and become a major contributor to carbon reduction within the industry. A key milestone in their journey has been achieving Positive Planet Certified Bronze, providing them with a framework to build upon. This accreditation marked the beginning of their sustainability transformation and the opportunity to accurately communicate their impact both internally and externally. It also provides extended motivation to take further action and achieve Silver status over the next 12 months.
Another crucial part of this collaboration has involved measuring and understanding Meridian Steel’s Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. The ongoing partnership has enabled the company to conduct a comprehensive carbon footprint measurement, allowing them to pinpoint opportunities for emissions reductions and cost savings. By identifying carbon hotspots within its supply chain and operations, Meridian Steel has targeted actions that not only improve environmental performance but also drive profitability by cutting costs. The partnership has already encouraged internal conversations around solar panel implementation, switching to more sustainable lighting systems, and reducing company miles, resulting in gradual emission reductions and financial savings.
Together, this has showcased the company’s commitment to sustainability and demonstrated how it is taking proactive steps to remain at the forefront for its customers
“Meridian Steel Limited’s experience with Positive Planet has been excellent and we have managed to work side by side with them to produce our first carbon report. We look forward to continue working with them in the future.”
Satwat Nawabzada, Sustainability & Project Officer at Meridian Steel
The Benefits
One of the most significant outcomes of the collaboration has been the successful engagement of senior leaders and directors in Meridian Steel’s sustainability strategy. Historically, leadership buy-in has been a common barrier to sustainability progress, but with the structured guidance provided by Positive Planet and the financial and environmental opportunities presented to the board of directors, Meridian Steel’s leadership team has taken an active role in driving change.
This shift in mindset is driving tangible financial benefits. By preparing for CBAM compliance and embedding sustainability into procurement and operations, Meridian Steel is reducing carbon-related costs and strengthening profit margins for both the company and its customers through a more transparent, efficient supply chain.
The company has also influenced workforce behaviour. Installing electric vehicle charging points at office locations has encouraged employees to adopt lower-emission transport. These initiatives reflect a deepening culture of sustainability, laying the groundwork for lasting change.
Next Steps
Building on their progress, Meridian Steel is now expanding its sustainability efforts beyond carbon reporting. The company is preparing to implement Environmental Product Declarations and LCAs for its products, providing customers with essential data to support their own sustainability goals. Adding to this, they have already secured ISO 14001 and ISO 9001 certifications, reinforcing their commitment to environmental management and quality standards. They are also in the process of obtaining ISO 50001 certification to enhance energy efficiency across operations.
Meridian Steel is set to integrate all energy systems under a single platform, ensuring better visibility and control over energy consumption. The initiative is set to optimise energy use and reduce costs while supporting Energy Savings Opportunity Scheme compliance.
Through its partnership with Positive Planet, Meridian Steel has made significant strides in sustainability. As they continue their journey towards Positive Planet Certified Silver Status and beyond, they are setting a strong precedent for how industrial companies can successfully navigate sustainability challenges while improving financial performance.
