Blastr Green Steel partners with Ecolab to cut seawater use, enhance sustainability, and strengthen investment momentum for Europe’s future steel industry.
Ecolab, a global leader in water, hygiene, and infection prevention solutions, operates across more than 170 countries. Its Nalco Water division specializes in delivering sustainable water solutions to industries worldwide, including the steel sector. The focus of these solutions is on reducing overall water consumption, maximizing water reuse within production processes, enhancing wastewater recycling, and limiting the amount of treated effluent discharged into the environment.
Blastr Green Steel has partnered with Ecolab to advance its water stewardship efforts as it develops a new steel facility in Inkoo, Finland. The collaboration aims to significantly minimize seawater intake and discharge, while also reducing the heat load released into the sea. Early estimates suggest potential reductions of 85–90%, a level that would greatly enhance the facility’s environmental profile. The partnership will also explore further innovation, such as stormwater integration and the use of municipal wastewater to support operations.
Mark Bula, CEO of Blastr Green Steel, emphasized the importance of water in modern life and the company’s dedication to exceeding environmental expectations. He noted that although Finnish authorities had already deemed Blastr’s water treatment plan acceptable during the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), the company was determined to set higher standards. “We listened closely to our community and to Inkoo’s elected leaders. Their feedback centered on concerns about water and heat discharge to the sea, and that input has guided our decision to strengthen our plans,” Bula stated.
Through the collaboration, Ecolab will design a comprehensive water management system that aligns with Blastr’s commitment to building a world-class, environmentally responsible steel mill. In addition, Ecolab will support Blastr’s environmental permit application and play a role in communicating its water stewardship strategies to the local community.
From Ecolab’s perspective, the partnership represents an opportunity to apply its expertise in water solutions to a groundbreaking project in Europe. “We are proud to contribute to Blastr’s innovative steelmaking vision in Finland, both as an investor and a collaborator,” said Thaís Gervasio, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Water Solutions Europe at Ecolab. “Our proven track record in water circularity and decarbonization is already helping Blastr reduce water and energy use, ultimately shrinking the project’s environmental footprint while optimizing resources for production efficiency.”
Blastr is also preparing to launch its Series A investment round, working with its financial advisor, Evercore, which has offices in the United States and London. CFO David Morant highlighted that partnerships like the one with Ecolab enhance the company’s financial strength and appeal to investors. He noted that Europe has not built a fully integrated steel facility since the 1960s, and the adoption of innovative, sustainable technologies is essential for maintaining competitiveness. As older plants shut down, ventures like Blastr aim to position European steel production as both sustainable and globally competitive in a low-carbon future.
