Phase 0

SteelZymes

Phase 0

A biotechnological pretreatment that removes impurities from steel raw materials to highly reduce emissions, energy usage and waste.

Campo de Gibraltar, Cadiz, Spain

Spain

Not registered as any organization

—

We are addressing the environmental and public health impacts caused by conventional impurity removal processes in stainless steel production, particularly the elimination of sulfur and phosphorus. These processes typically rely on high-temperature treatments using fossil fuels and chemical additives such as lime or magnesium oxide, generating significant carbon dioxide (CO₂) and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) emissions. In regions like Campo de Gibraltar, where Acerinox and similar industrial plants operate, the consequences are severe. Residents near these facilities face a 30–50% higher cancer risk than the national average, making it one of the most toxic areas in Europe. Steel production emits up to 2 tons of CO₂ per ton of steel, alongside particulate matter and SO₂ that drive respiratory and cardiovascular disease. Globally, the steel industry is responsible for 7–9% of CO₂ emissions, making it one of the top industrial polluters. Air pollution from such activities causes 4.2 million premature deaths per year according to the WHO. Addressing the root of these emissions (impurity treatment at the raw material stage) has the potential to drastically reduce both local toxicity and global climate impact.

Phase 0 is a low-temperature, enzyme-based pretreatment that removes sulfur and phosphorus impurities from raw steelmaking materials, before they enter the furnace. The process applies a tailored blend of natural biocatalysts (enzymes) to raw iron ore, scrap metal, or DRI pellets. These enzymes break down compounds like FeS₂ (pyrite) and Ca₃(PO₄)₂ (tricalcium phosphate) into water-soluble ions such as SO₄²⁻ and PO₄³⁻, which are then removed by filtration or decantation. This treatment runs at just 25–45 °C, eliminating the need for high-temperature calcination or harsh chemical additives like lime or magnesium oxide. Phase 0 is fully compatible with all steelmaking routes: BF+BOF, EAF, or DRI+EAF, and is designed to fit upstream of existing infrastructure without disruption. Its modular setup allows scalable deployment, from pilot-scale drums to full pre-treatment lines. By targeting impurities early, Phase 0 reduces refining time, cuts reagent consumption, and lowers CO₂ and SO₂ emissions at the source. The result is a cleaner, more efficient, and more sustainable steel production process—ready for industrial adoption.

Phase 0 serves three main groups: steel manufacturers, industrial workers, and communities living near steel plants, especially in polluted industrial hubs like Campo de Gibraltar (Spain) and U.S. steel corridors. In Campo de Gibraltar, residents face lung cancer rates 40% above the national average, and 35% higher hospitalization from respiratory illness due to long-term exposure to industrial pollutants like SO₂ and fine particulates. The external costs of this pollution (healthcare, environmental damage, and lost productivity) exceed €700 million per year. Similar impacts are observed in U.S. industrial regions, especially near blast furnaces and integrated steel plants. Steel manufacturers, meanwhile, face increasing regulatory pressure and rising costs due to tariffs and energy-intensive desulfurization techniques. U.S. steel prices have risen 14% in three years, straining downstream industries. By enabling clean impurity removal at low temperatures, Phase 0 reduces both emissions and operating costs by up to 15–20%. For local populations, this means cleaner air, fewer hospitalizations, and improved public health. For producers, it delivers economic and regulatory resilience. The impact scales globally: millions live near steel plants and breathe the cost of outdated processes.