EMSTEEL Achieves Historic ResponsibleSteel Certification As First MENA Company

EMSTEEL, a major steel and building materials manufacturer in the region, has announced that its steel division, Emirates Steel Industries, is now the first in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to receive the ResponsibleSteel™ Core Site certification. This recognition highlights EMSTEEL's commitment to sustainable practices and ethical business conduct.

The ResponsibleSteel certification was awarded after a thorough audit by CARES, a globally recognised certification body. The evaluation assessed Emirates Steel Industries' adherence to stringent environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria. This achievement underscores EMSTEEL's dedication to maintaining high standards of environmental responsibility.

In addition to this certification, EMSTEEL was recently named a 2025 Steel Sustainability Champion by the World Steel Association (worldsteel). This accolade marks the second consecutive year that EMSTEEL has received this honour, making it the only company in the MENA region to achieve such recognition twice.

Engineer Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group CEO of EMSTEEL, expressed pride in this milestone. He stated, "Achieving the ResponsibleSteel certification is a proud milestone for us and is a testament to our relentless commitment to sustainability, innovation and responsible growth. As the first company in the MENA region to meet this global benchmark, we’re proud to continue driving national advanced manufacturing goals, while setting industry benchmarks for decarbonising the steel value chain."

Annie Heaton, CEO of ResponsibleSteel, highlighted the significance of this certification for the MENA region's steel industry. She noted that "The certification of EMSTEEL marks the arrival of ResponsibleSteel certification in the MENA region and sets an important benchmark for the region’s steel industry. The site certification recognises EMSTEEL's established governance systems, as well as transparent engagement with a wide range of stakeholders."

This achievement also demonstrates how sustainability standards can be applied globally while showcasing progress by leading companies like EMSTEEL. Lee Brankley, CEO of CARES, praised EMSTEEL's leadership in meeting rigorous ESG standards: "EMSTEEL has demonstrated exceptional leadership in meeting ResponsibleSteel’s rigorous ESG standards. We commend their proactive approach and commitment to continuous improvement. This achievement not only strengthens EMSTEEL’s position on the global stage but also contributes to the UAE’s broader vision for sustainable economic development and climate action."

Building a Sustainable Future

ResponsibleSteel is recognised as the first global multi-stakeholder standard and certification initiative within the steel industry. It collaborates with producers, consumers, and intermediaries to promote sustainability by addressing challenges such as responsible sourcing and climate change. Other critical initiatives include diversity promotion, human rights advocacy, and environmental stewardship.

These achievements reflect EMSTEEL's ongoing leadership in promoting sustainable steel practices across its operations. By receiving these accolades, EMSTEEL continues to set benchmarks for others in advancing sustainable manufacturing goals within both regional and global contexts.

With inputs from WAM