A sliding doors moment for Outokumpu Circle Green®

The project features Outokumpu Circle Green Deco that sets a new benchmark for the towards zero-stainless steel with a decorative finish. Outokumpu is supplying the material with a Deco Linen finish in grade Supra 316L/4404 to Schmidt Edelstahl’s service center that oversees processing and delivery to Meiller Aufzugtüren GmbH. Meiller is the first manufacturer to use Circle Green for producing elevator doors.

The elevator doors are designed specifically for high-traffic public buildings like railway stations. The first installations with this material will be carried out towards summer 2025. Meiller has proven its capabilities as a reliable premium manufacturer of lift doors for many European railway and public transport companies  and will continue to contribute to meeting customer requirements at the highest level in the future. Elevator doors in Circle Green not only excel in durability and strength but also significantly reduce CO2 emissions throughout the supply chain. Their carbon footprint is up to 93% lower than the industry average. “For equipping our major cities in a sustainable manner for future generations, low-carbon products like Circle Green provide a crucial response to mega trends of urbanization, safety, population growth, and neo-ecology. Stainless steel is 100% recyclable, and urban planners can no longer ignore this,” says Jörn Teipel, Lead Technical Manager Architecture at Outokumpu.

The collaboration between Outokumpu, Schmidt Edelstahl and Meiller exemplifies successful supply chain partnerships in the industry, enabling Meiller to develop high-quality products that meet the latest sustainability standards.

“With Circle Green, we reduce the CO₂ emissions in our production process to a minimum and this supports our partners to achieve their own environmental goals by reducing their Scope 3 emissions”,

said Teipel.

The partnership is also built on a solid foundation of shared values, which are reflected at every stage of the collaboration. “Outokumpu Circle Green enables active, targeted CO2 management and supports more sustainable procurement decisions,” states Barbara Mundt, Manager Product and Application Sustainability, Outokumpu.

Meiller pioneers use of Circle Green in the built environment

Meiller Aufzugtüren GmbH is known for its durable products for environments like railway stations and airports. Meiller’s strategic focus is not only on continuous technical innovation but also on sustainable value creation throughout the entire supply chain. Introducing Circle Green marks a significant step that supports the company’s sustainability goals while keeping the performance of the stainless steel at the same high level. 

“Meiller stainless steel elevator doors are designed to withstand extreme usage. They not only endure everyday impacts in normal use, but also resist vandalism, ensuring long-term reliable functionality,” says Manfred Strohmair, Head of Purchasing at Meiller Aufzugtüren GmbH. “Their robust construction, paired with modern stainless steel design and precise craftsmanship, makes Meiller doors a preferred choice for architects and builders who prioritize consistently high quality and reliability.” 

While stainless steel from Asia typically has a carbon footprint of over 8 tons of CO2 per ton produced, Outokumpu’s stainless steel on average emits around 1.5 tons, including Scope 3 emissions. With Circle Green, depending on the grade, this figure is reduced down to 0.5 tons of emissions per ton produced. This is made possible using up to 100% recycled secondary raw materials and electricity from renewable energy sources.

Our customers choose Meiller because we manufacture long-lasting products known for their excellent craftsmanship and high corrosion resistance – qualities that endure for decades,”

says Strohmair.

“Through our collaboration with Outokumpu and the use of Circle Green, we now offer an enhanced product that meets the growing supply chain demands for due diligence and environmental consciousness, without compromising material performance.”

A verifiable route for reducing CO2 emissions

“Using Circle Green offers our customers, such as Meiller Aufzugtüren, a verifiable route for reducing CO2 emissions, as Outokumpu provides approved CO2 documentation with each coil of Circle Green. This is something we value highly at Schmidt Edelstahl, particularly considering the stringent requirements in public tenders and reporting under the Germany Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG),” adds Thomas Schmidt, who manages Schmidt Edelstahl GmbH in Hückeswagen near Cologne, jointly with his cousin Lars Schmidt.