Höganäs 2024 sustainability report highlights biochar investment to reduce fossil coal use in metal production
April 16, 2025
Sweden’s Höganäs has released its 2024 sustainability report, highlighting progress across climate action, safety, responsible sourcing, and diversity and inclusion.
One announcement featured in the report is a strategic investment in biochar, a renewable carbon source. Following successful full-scale trials, Höganäs has begun planning the establishment of a biochar-receiving facility – expected to begin construction in Q2 2025 – and relevant infrastructure. By 2026, the company aims to start replacing 20% of fossil coal with biochar, in line with its climate roadmap and ambition to decarbonise production.
Two R&D projects have also been launched to accelerate the transition further: one to maximise the use of biochar in the reduction process and another to explore further fossil-free reduction technologies.
“This investment supports our customers in reducing the carbon footprint of their products and marks an important step toward near-zero direct emissions in our own production by 2030,” stated Henrik Ager, CEO of Höganäs AB. “I am also proud of the progress we have made in safety during 2024. With a 52% reduction in recordable injuries, we have clear proof of what can be achieved through focused, company-wide efforts.”
In the report, Höganäs also highlighted its continued work to advance inclusion and responsible business practices in 2024. Manager training on unconscious bias was completed, the proportion of female executive managers rose to 38%, and supplier engagement deepened through targeted sustainability dialogues as part of the Responsible Sourcing Programme.
“This report is our first step toward CSRD reporting, and more importantly, it reflects real progress,” stated Catharina Nordeman, VP Group Sustainability, Höganäs AB. “Together, we are building a more sustainable company.”
The full sustainability report is available here.
