Compromiso con el medioambiente y el clima

UGI'RING is an innovative initiative by Ugitech, a subsidiary of Swiss Steel Group, aimed at revolutionizing the production of stainless steels through a major ambition: to become the world's leading producer of stainless steels in the circular economy

The aim of UGI'RING is to create an industrial unit for recycling alkaline and salt batteries and industrial metal by-products to produce the ferro-alloys needed to manufacture Ugitech's stainless steels.

What does this mean for users?

Many products we use every day – from cutlery and surgical instruments to car parts, bridges and high-voltage power lines – are made of stainless steel. The quality and durability of these products depend on precisely formulated alloys, in which ferroalloys play a key role.

By recycling used batteries, UGI'RING helps to produce these important alloy components in a resource-efficient manner. These batteries originate from everyday household items such as remote controls, flashlights, wall clocks, toys, and portable radios — devices that often end up in the waste stream after their batteries are depleted. This enables a closed material cycle:

Waste products from households and industry (such as batteries or slag) are recycled, from which high-quality alloy components are produced, which in turn are used in new, durable products which we as consumers use every day – often without even knowing it.

Why is this important?

This circular economy helps to reduce raw material consumption and environmental impact while securing the long-term supply of critical metals. Users benefit from high-quality products whose origin is more sustainable and transparent.

Today, these ferroalloys come mainly from Northern Europe, South America and Asia, and are subject to major price fluctuations.

UGI'RING aims to position the steel industry as a key player in the recycling of strategic metals, and to contribute to France's sovereignty of supply. It will be one of the most modern industrial recycling facilities in the world.

The UGI’RING project generates positive and lasting impact on multiple levels – from sustainable raw material use to regional economic development:

Circular economy and smart resource use: The production process is based on industrial co-products and secondary raw materials, reducing the need for virgin resources and transport emissions. These include:

• Battitures: Metallurgical waste (a mix of BGL/BHM dusts) from the UGITECH site in Ugine
• Recycled alkaline and saline batteries: Sourced from French waste sorting centers
• Nickel dopants: Secondary materials and residues, primarily from France

By recovering and revalorizing these materials, UGI’RING helps close industrial loops while significantly reducing environmental impact.

Revitalizing industrial infrastructure: UGI’RING breathes new life into a former brownfield site in Savoie, located just 30 km from the Ugitech site in Ugine:

• Existing structures are rehabilitated and reused, reducing land consumption
• The site offers optimum logistical accessibility for transport and supply
• Innovative, patented technologies are implemented in the production process

Local value creation

• Local jobs are secured and created, strengthening the regional industrial ecosystem
• Energy efficiency and emissions reduction are central to the site concept

Local environmental impacts were studied and assessed by independent external experts, including engineering consultants, the DREAL, and the Regional Health Agency (ARS).

The measures implemented are always based on a majority approach to the various potential risks. The conclusions of the Health Risk Assessment following measurements in the air outside activity revealed concentrations above "common" values for fine particles and hexavalent chromium. Special monitoring is carried out to ensure that these two values do not deteriorate.  With a majoritarian approach, the results of this study led to : 

• Validation of the project in terms of health risks for tracer pollutants, 
• Approval to operate the site from the ARS (Agence Régionale de la Santé - Regional Health Agency) 
• Demand for indicator monitoring of tracer pollutants 

At UGI’RING, protecting the environment is a central part of our operations. To minimize environmental impact, we have implemented a series of targeted, high-standard measures across every step of the process - from product handling to emissions control.

Product Handling and Storage

All deliveries are made using tarpaulin-covered trucks, with unloading taking place under sheltered hoppers. Materials are stored indoors, on watertight surfaces or in closed silos to prevent soil or water contamination.

To limit dust emissions, materials are moistened and handled in covered areas with concrete or asphalt floors. In the rare event of contact with an uncovered silo, immediate cleaning procedures are triggered. Regular monitoring and groundwater analysis are carried out to ensure environmental compliance.

Process Design and Air Treatment

Co-products are pre-shaped upstream to ensure cleaner processing. The melting furnace is enclosed within a dedicated containment niche to limit emissions at the source. The process includes four filtration stages, providing layered air treatment at every key point. Air capture and filtration systems are installed along all internal unloading and conveyor lines. Atmospheric emissions are routed through 30-meter chimneys, fully compliant with environmental regulations.

Continuous Monitoring and Oversight

Throughout the process, discharge and groundwater are regularly monitored and analyzed to ensure the highest standards of environmental safety. Our commitment goes beyond compliance — it reflects our responsibility to operate sustainably and protect the natural environment surrounding the Château-Feuillet site.

The UGI’RING site is classified under the SEVESO "high threshold" category, in line with European regulations on industrial risk prevention. This classification is based on the quantity and type of substances stored and their potential health, physical, or environmental hazards.

While earlier SEVESO rules focused primarily on human safety, today’s regulations also address environmental protection — a key factor in UGI’RING’s classification.

UGI’RING’s high-threshold status stems from the large volume of co-products stored on-site, which could pose a risk of:

• Airborne dispersion
• Water contamination through runoff or leaching of water-soluble substances

To mitigate these risks, UGI’RING has implemented dedicated containment, monitoring, and treatment systems, ensuring full compliance with environmental standards and a high level of site safety.

How safe is the site? What does "SEVESO high threshold" really mean? Will emissions affect health or the environment?

Our detailed FAQ provides clear, transparent answers to the most frequently asked questions about the UGI’RING project — from environmental impact and safety measures to innovation, water use, and job creation.

Explore how UGI’RING is designed to operate responsibly, sustainably, and in full compliance with national regulations.

Read the full FAQ