PPG and global steel manufacturer ArcelorMittal announced progress in low-carbon automotive manufacturing through a joint study presented at the SURCAR automotive painting conference in Cannes, France.

The companies evaluated greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across vehicle materials and finishing processes. Results showed that ArcelorMittal’s electric arc furnace steelmaking process, combined with its MULTIPART INTEGRATION® (MPI) strategy and advanced high-strength steels (AHSS), can reduce steel-related emissions by up to 30%. The lightweighting approach also improves structural integrity and flexibility.

In the finishing phase, PPG’s next-generation electrocoat technologies were shown to reduce emissions from component use by 20% and overall GHG emissions by 10%, while delivering corrosion protection. The companies also highlighted the role of PPG’s ZIRCOBOND® pretreatment as a benchmark for sustainable surface treatment.

“This case study is more than a technical achievement, it’s a blueprint for how collaboration across the value chain can deliver real climate impact,” said Thierry Destruhaut, customer sustainability business partner, automotive OEM coatings, PPG.

The companies are continuing their partnership to explore next-generation steel grades, bio-based materials, curing technologies and process enhancements to further reduce emissions and improve efficiency.