voestalpine Böhler shifts to green nitrogen for AM powder production

voestalpine Böhler Edelstahl GmbH & Co KG, part of the voestalpine group’s High Performance Metals Division, has reported that the metal powder it produces for Additive Manufacturing is now made with 100% green nitrogen, helping the company reduce its CO2 emissions and offering customers a more environmentally friendly powder.

Powder production uses various gases, including process, shielding, and purge gases, which are essential for high-quality metal powders for Additive Manufacturing. Traditionally, the nitrogen used in this process is derived from fossil fuels, contributing to CO₂ emissions.

As a sustainable alternative, green nitrogen offers identical technical properties but is generated exclusively using renewable energy sources. This environmentally friendly production method can reportedly reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 99%, making a substantial contribution to environmental and climate protection.

Since April 2025, 100% of the nitrogen used in production has been green nitrogen. The gas is externally certified, ensuring transparent and reliable energy accounting from renewable sources. This shift is expected to reduce the carbon footprint by approximately 1 kg CO₂eq per kilogram of powder produced.

This initiative is reported to be part of a broader sustainability strategy. Since 2020, the entire Böhler site has operated on CO₂-neutral green electricity. Additionally, packaging solutions have been optimised for environmental impact: standard powder containers are made from up to 70% recycled plastic, and customers are offered the option of steel containers as a more sustainable alternative.

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