Johannesburg, 21 May 2026 — The world stainless association celebrated the industry’s most forward‑thinking achievements last night as leaders from across the globe gathered for the 2026 Stainless Steel Industry Awards. Recognizing excellence in Market Development, Technology, Safety, and Sustainability, the annual ceremony highlighted the groundbreaking ideas shaping the future of stainless steel.

Since 2010, the awards have showcased the sector’s most transformative innovations. This year’s winners continued that legacy with projects that delivered measurable impact, advanced digital transformation, and set new benchmarks for sustainable industrial practice.

Market Development Award

Gold Winner: ASSDA — “From 30 Tonnes of Carbon Steel to 3 Tonnes of Stainless Cable: Redefining Sustainable Infrastructure”

ASSDA earned top honours for its pioneering work on the Narre Warren Station project, where engineers replaced 30 tonnes of carbon steel beams with just 3 tonnes of 316-grade stainless steel cable bowstring trusses. The lightweight, modular system reduced material use by 90%, improved constructability and safety, and eliminated the need for rail shutdowns. The project demonstrated stainless steel’s potential as a durable, low‑carbon structural alternative for major infrastructure.

Silver: POSCO — Advancing stainless steel technology, standards, and pilot validation to make it a viable, scalable alternative to copper in refrigerant piping.

Bronze: Acerinox Europe — Orona Essentia lift project delivering a durable, low‑energy stainless‑steel elevator that cuts power use by 75% while improving sustainability and reliability.

Technology Award

Gold Winner: POSCO — “Transforming Stainless Steel AOD Refining with Intelligent One‑Touch Automation”

POSCO was recognized for revolutionizing one of stainless steelmaking’s most complex processes. Its new “One Touch” automatic refining system integrates previously fragmented controls, uses real‑time carbon prediction via mass spectrometry, and converts operator expertise into transparent, AI‑supported logic. The result: a 100% carbon hit rate, shorter refining times, improved deoxidation accuracy, and automation adoption exceeding 95% across all stainless grades.

Silver: POSCO – Developing a grain‑refined austenitic stainless steel that endures extreme diffusion‑bonding heat while maintaining strength and toughness, enabling safer, more efficient PCHEs (printed circuit heat exchangers) for clean‑energy and cryogenic use.

Bronze: Aperam – A smart condition‑monitoring system that lets operators quickly detect and resolve frequent sensor faults in complex automated equipment, reducing downtime and boosting reliability.

Safety Award

Gold Winner: Aperam BioEnergia — “Safe Driving: Accident Prevention Measures and Cultural Transformation”

Aperam BioEnergia received the Gold Award for its comprehensive Safe Driving Program, created to address the risks of a vast logistics network spanning over 1.5 million kilometres per month. Built on three pillars—Driver Aptitude, Vehicle Safety, and Continuous Management & Monitoring—the initiative introduced rigorous screening, structured training, real‑time telemetry, fatigue monitoring, and a Just Culture approach. Within a year, the program significantly reduced unsafe behaviours and near misses, strengthening safety culture across the organization.

Silver: JFE Steel — Developed an AI image‑detection system that automatically prevents edge-trimming scrap abnormalities, boosting safety, reducing operator workload, and improving product quality and stability.

Bronze: Aperam BioEnergia — Created a remote, unmanned operation system that removes workers from hazardous field conditions, increasing safety, efficiency, and well‑being while modernizing sustainable forestry operations.

Sustainability Award

Gold Winner: Acerinox Europa — “SIDECO Blue Footprint: Hybrid Water Leak Detection and Control System”

Acerinox Europa was honoured for developing SIDECO, a low‑cost, internally engineered hybrid system that detects and manages water leaks in real time. Responding to severe regional water scarcity, the solution integrates IoT sensors, a proprietary leak‑flow estimator, and automated workflows. Fully deployed between 2024 and 2025, SIDECO saved an estimated 20,000 m³ of water annually, reduced costs by more than €29,000 per year, and achieved payback within weeks—establishing a scalable model for industrial water stewardship.

Silver: Aperam BioEnergia — Água Circular: Converts treated municipal effluent into a safe water source for forestry, easing pressure on natural resources and boosting water security in a drought‑prone region.

Bronze: Columbus Stainless — Shade Ball Water Security: Shade ball technology cuts evaporation, protects scarce water supplies, lowers costs, and strengthens long‑term sustainability in a water‑stressed environment.