Charles R. Goulding and Preeti Sulibhavi underscore Nucor’s innovative edge in steel production, highlighting its green initiatives, advanced technologies, and strategic use of R&D tax credits.
Nucor Corporation is the safest, highest quality, lowest cost, most productive, and most profitable steel and steel products company in the world. As North America’s largest steel producer and recycler, Nucor has built a reputation for innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility. Through a fully integrated production process, extensive use of recycled materials, and a commitment to reducing carbon emissions, Nucor stands at the forefront of the steel industry.
Integrated Production and Use of Recycled Metals
Nucor’s success is rooted in its integrated production model, which emphasizes the recycling of scrap metal into new steel products. Utilizing electric arc furnace (EAF) technology, Nucor’s circular production process incorporates an average of nearly 80% recycled scrap, significantly higher than the industry standard. This approach not only conserves natural resources but also results in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity that is less than one-third of the global average for traditional blast furnace steelmaking methods.
Efficient Production Processes
The adoption of EAF technology has been pivotal in enhancing Nucor’s production efficiency. Unlike traditional blast furnaces, EAFs are more flexible and energy-efficient, allowing for rapid adjustments in production to meet market demands. This flexibility enables Nucor to maintain low production costs while delivering high-quality steel products. Additionally, the company’s strategic investments in modernizing facilities and implementing advanced technologies have further streamlined operations, reinforcing its position as a low-cost industry leader.
Diverse Range of Steel Products
Beyond raw steel production, Nucor has diversified its portfolio to include a wide array of finished steel products. The company manufactures steel fasteners, reinforcing steel for concrete construction, metal building systems, and steel deck and joist products, among others. This vertical integration allows Nucor to offer comprehensive solutions to its customers, ensuring quality control throughout the supply chain and meeting diverse market needs.
Commitment to Reducing Carbon Emissions
Environmental stewardship is a cornerstone of Nucor’s operational philosophy. The company has set ambitious goals to reduce its GHG emissions intensity, aiming for a 35% reduction in combined Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030, measured against a 2015 baseline. This target will position Nucor’s steel mill GHG emissions intensity at 0.38 tons of CO₂ per ton of steel, significantly below the current global average of 1.69 tons. To achieve these reductions, Nucor plans to increase the use of clean electricity, implement carbon capture and sequestration technologies, and develop near-zero GHG iron-making processes.
In addition, Nucor has introduced Econiq™, the world’s first net-zero carbon steel at scale. Econiq™ addresses emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3 by utilizing electricity from 100% renewable or carbon-free sources and purchasing high-quality carbon offsets. This initiative enables customers to meet their sustainability goals without compromising on steel quality or performance.
Leadership and Support for Tariff Policies
Under the leadership of CEO Leon J. Topalian, Nucor has actively supported trade policies aimed at fostering fair competition in the steel industry. In February 2025, Topalian endorsed President Donald Trump’s tariffs on steel imports from China, Canada, and Mexico, viewing them as essential measures to combat unfair trade practices and illegal dumping that distort the market. By imposing these tariffs, the administration seeks to create a level playing field for domestic producers, enabling companies like Nucor to compete effectively.
Nucor’s confidence in navigating these trade policies stems from its efficient production processes, diversified product range, and strong domestic supply chain. The company’s integrated model and focus on recycling provide a competitive advantage, allowing it to adapt to market fluctuations and maintain profitability despite changes in trade dynamics.
Advancements in 3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing
Nucor has embraced 3D printing and additive manufacturing as part of its commitment to innovation and meeting evolving customer needs. By investing in these technologies, Nucor enhances its ability to produce complex and customized steel components with greater precision and efficiency. While specific product examples and details about the printers used are proprietary, Nucor’s adoption of additive manufacturing demonstrates its dedication to staying at the forefront of technological advancements in the steel industry.
Below is a table that represents Nucor’s increased research and development (R&D) spend over the past few years.
The Research & Development Tax Credit
The now permanent Research and Development (R&D) Tax Credit is available for companies developing new or improved products, processes and/or software.
3D printing can help boost a company’s R&D Tax Credits. Wages for technical employees creating, testing and revising 3D printed prototypes are typically eligible expenses toward the R&D Tax Credit. Similarly, when used as a method of improving a process, time spent integrating 3D printing hardware and software can also be an eligible R&D expense. Lastly, when used for modeling and preproduction, the costs of filaments consumed during the development process may also be recovered.
Whether it is used for creating and testing prototypes or for final production, 3D printing is a great indicator that R&D Credit-eligible activities are taking place. Companies implementing this technology at any point should consider taking advantage of R&D Tax Credits.
Conclusion
Nucor Corporation’s integrated approach, emphasis on recycling, efficient production processes, and commitment to environmental sustainability have solidified its position as a leader in the steel industry. Under the guidance of CEO Leon J. Topalian, the company continues to support policies that promote fair competition and has embraced innovative technologies like 3D printing to meet the demands of a dynamic market. As Nucor advances, its dedication to safety, quality, and profitability remains unwavering, ensuring its continued success in the global steel landscape.
