The highly anticipated Stainless Steel World Conference & Expo 2022 took place 27-29 September in Maastricht , the Netherlands . With its focus on corrosion resistant alloys , the event reunited the global stainless steel community for three days of networking , business and learning .

By Ellie Pritchard , Stainless Steel World

At the end of September , the global stainless steel industry finally reunited after several years of postponements and delays , and what a celebration it was . Three days of meeting new and old acquaintances , discussing industry updates and future challenges , or just generally catching up over coffee or something stronger . Stainless Steel World 2022 was just as energising as its previous editions .

Key topics The technical conference programme saw some of the industry ’ s key issues rise to the fore , with discussions about the future of stainless steel production and new materials developments , as well as staples such as welding , corrosion , and Duplex .

Stainless Steel World ’ s 2022 Chairman , Jan van de Wetering of Nobian , opened the conference by acknowledging how much life has changed since the event ’ s last edition in 2019 but ascertaining that this remains the key meeting point for the entire stainless steel sector . “ In

“ Change organisational beliefs by focusing on lifecycle thinking .”

recent years , stainless steel companies have implemented major projects to improve sustainability .” The first plenary session was presented by Tim Collins , Secretary General of the world stainless association . In his speech , Tim compounded the significance of the steel industry and reflected on market predictions : “ 45 million tonnes are consumed annually , yet stainless steel still only represents 4 % of the total global production of steel [...] Building and infrastructure make up 12-15 % of the current market .” As an ideal ‘ fit and forget ’ solution , rather than an ‘ install and repair ’ option , Tim pressed the stainless steel community to “ promote and market the material in a compelling manner [ and ] change organisational beliefs by focusing on lifecycle thinking , the fit and forget concept , and holistic materials thinking .” Tim Collins ’ s presentation also raised the point of mass urbanisation , stating

32 Stainless Steel World November 2022 www . stainless-steel-world . net