Business Strategies - Graphite Electrodes

Relationship Between Our Products and Daily Life

Graphite Electrodes (GE) are essential to sustainable steelmaking. Traditionally used for melting scrap steel in EAFs, they are increasingly vital in the production of new steel from Direct Reduced Iron (DRI), especially in regions transitioning to low-carbon methods. Whether for recycled or new steel, GE remain critical to decarbonizing the industry.

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Mission of Graphite Electrodes

At Resonac Graphite Business Unit, we are committed to delivering world-class graphite products and technologies with a strong focus on sustainability. Our people are our greatest strength, and through their expertise, we drive the sustainable advancement of society. We play a vital role in enabling low-carbon steelmaking and efficiently recycling steel, contributing to a more environmentally responsible industry. By fostering strong partnerships and leveraging innovative technologies, we support multiple global graphite markets in achieving a more sustainable future.

 

Initiatives to Strengthen Competitiveness and Examples

We leverage our unique strengths and competitive advantages to solidify our position as a world-class functional chemical company and a leader in the global graphite electrode market.

  • Advancing Sustainable Steelmaking: Resonac is leading the global push for decarbonization as demand for large-diameter Graphite Electrodes in EAF steelmaking accelerates
  • Global Production with Local Impact: With production sites in every region worldwide,we maintain strategic inventories to ensure consistent operations and reliable delivery
  • Local Production for Local Consumption:Our strategy prioritizes producing close to our customers, reducing emissions, improving efficiency, and enhancing supply chain resilience
  • Innovation & Digitalization: The AMI Automation acquisition enhances internal digital transformation while providing advanced Graphite Electrode optimization solutions to customers
  • Sustainability: Driving positive impact for society and the environment through expanded renewable energy use

Vision for 2030 and Roadmap

Vision for the future(2030) Issues to Be Addressed Results in 2024 Plans for 2025
  • We supply industry-leading Graphite Electrodes and Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) optimization services to steelmakers around the world, supporting the transformation to sustainable steel production and　economic growth
  • We supply synthetic graphite products for use in multiple industrial applications, promoting decarbonization in the manufacturing process.
  • Achieving a stable profit structure
  • Optimizing product mix in response to expansion of electric furnace market
  • Evolving into a business model that offers electric furnace optimization services
  • Growing global demand for large-diameter electrodes, reducing carbon emissions in steelmaking, and addressing energy efficiency challenges
  • Both sales volume and price decreased due to the weak market condition,resulting in the decrease in operating income; operating loss reduced due to a reversal of inventory write-downs
  • Accelerated the integration of AMI’s automation solutions to enhance EAF efficiency and optimize electrode consumption
  • Expanded renewable energy usage,implemented waste reductionprojects, and strengthened datadriven operational efficiencies
  • Advanced local production/local consumption strategies to reduce transport-related emissions
  • Implement measures to improve profit margin
  • Advance/Expand AMI-powered digital optimization at scale to further enhance productivity and energy efficiency in EAF operations
  • Expand local supply chains to reduce logistics-related emissions
  • Develop new AI-driven automation solutions to support more sustainable steel production

TOPICS 2025 of Graphite Electrodes Business

Evolving value proposition throughs synergies with AMI

The integration of Resonac’s Graphite Electrode expertise with AMI Automation’s world-leading EAF automation technology strengthens our ability to deliver comprehensive, value-added solutions tailored to the evolving needs of the steel industry. Beyond product integration, we are also co-developing tailored service offerings with AMI — from EAF startup support to best practices in GE handling. These services are particularly relevant for customers entering the EAF space for the first time, reinforcing our role as a full-scope partner.