The global steel industry shifts toward more sustainable practices, In a circular economy, scrap recycling is essential for reducing the environmental footprint of steel production. The increased use of scrap recycling in green steel production introduces new challenges and opportunities. The repeated recycling of steel leads to the accumulation of residual elements such as copper (Cu), tin (Sn), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and molybdenum (Mo) in the hot metal. These elements, often considered impurities in conventional steel grades, can exceed the concentration limits manageable by current production and processing technologies, potentially degrading steel properties. Yet, these elements also present an opportunity to innovate and develop new strategies for microstructure design, transforming impurities into beneficial alloying elements.

Here, we focus on understanding the role of impurity elements in phase transformations, microstructure formation, and the resulting properties of steel. The outcomes of this research will pave the way for their utilization as beneficial alloying elements. By developing impurity-tolerant steel designs, we aim to enhance the recyclability of steel, support sustainable production practices, and contribute to the development of high-performance steels for future applications. Ultimately, this research seeks to transform challenges posed by impurities into opportunities for innovation, advancing the field of green steel production.