Companies presented collaboration at SURCAR automotive painting conference
CANNES, France, July 2, 2025 – PPG (NYSE: PPG) and global steel leader ArcelorMittal today announced a major step
forward in reducing the carbon footprint of automotive manufacturing. The collaboration combines advanced
steelmaking technologies with next-generation electrocoat solutions. The results were presented last week at the
SURCAR automotive painting conference in Cannes.
Elena Uta from ArcelorMittal and PPG’s Thierry Destruhaut showcase milestone in low-carbon auto manufacturing at the SURCAR automotive conference.
The study revealed that greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the steel material required to build a vehicle can be
reduced by up to 30% by using ArcelorMittal’s electric arc furnace (EAF) steelmaking process, along with
lightweighting strategies such as its ArcelorMittal MULTIPART INTEGRATION® (MPI) solution and the application of its
third-generation advanced high-strength steels (AHSS). These innovations not only lower emissions but also enhance
structural performance and design flexibility.
During the paint shop phase, PPG’s advanced electrocoat technologies enable a 10% reduction in emissions and save
approximately 10 kWh of energy per vehicle by optimizing the heat duty of the electrocoat oven. Additionally, PPG
ZIRCOBOND® thin-film pretreatment technology sets a benchmark for sustainable surface treatment in the automotive
industry, significantly reducing water consumption and saving up to 35 kWh of energy per vehicle by minimizing the
need for heated baths.
“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, PPG customer sustainability business partner, Automotive
OEM Coatings.
ArcelorMittal’s MPI solution helps carmakers build vehicles more efficiently. It uses strong steel and special
laser-welding technology to combine multiple parts into one, reducing the number of components and simplifying
assembly. MPI works with all types of powertrains and is especially useful for making battery packs, chassis and
body structures in electric and small vehicles. This smart design approach cuts production time, saves materials,
lowers CO₂ emissions, and helps manufacturers meet their environmental goals.
“We already offer solutions that can deliver significant CO₂ reductions today,” said Elena Uta, product development
manager for breakthrough products automotive, ArcelorMittal Global R&D. “That’s why close collaboration across
the
value chain is essential. Our advanced steel solutions, including third-generation AHSS and our MPI concept, help
OEMs lower emissions while optimizing vehicle performance.”
The presentation also explored future areas of innovation for the ArcelorMittal-PPG partnership. These include the
development of bio-based materials, next-generation curing technologies, and process improvements in areas such as
ovens, air intake and filtration. Additionally, the companies are investigating emerging steel grades that offer
higher strength and even greater lightweighting potential.
PPG: WE PROTECT AND BEAUTIFY THE WORLD®
At PPG (NYSE:PPG), we work
every day to develop and deliver the paints, coatings and specialty materials that our customers have trusted for
more than 140 years. Through dedication and creativity, we solve our customers’ biggest challenges, collaborating
closely to find the right path forward. With headquarters in Pittsburgh, we operate and innovate in more than 70
countries and reported net sales of $15.8 billion in 2024. We serve customers in construction, consumer products,
industrial and transportation markets and aftermarkets. To learn more, visit www.ppg.com.
Zircobond, the PPG Logo and We protect and beautify the world and
are registered trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.
Multi Part Integration is a registered trademark
of ArcelorMittal.
PPG Media Contact:
Camila Gazotto
Automotive OEM Coatings
+34 669 160 431
camila.gazotto@ppg.com
www.ppg.com