ArcelorMittal, the steel major owned by Indian entrepreneur Lakshmi Mittal, is reported to be showcasing various aspects of its low-carbon steel partnership with the Olympics and Paralympics, beginning in Paris later this month. The Luxembourg-headquartered company has disclosed this week that its recycled and renewably-produced XCarb is the technology behind the Torches that have been traveling globally, the Olympic Rings now displayed on Paris's Eiffel Tower, and the Agitos symbol of the Paralympics atop the Arc de Triomphe in the city.

The Paris Olympics 2024 marks a milestone by reusing Torches for the first time, significantly reducing the carbon footprint with only 2,000 Torches required compared to 12,000 previously. Ian Louden, Head of Brand for ArcelorMittal, informed reporters in Paris that the Games are perceived not just as sporting events but as transcending sport itself, aiming to unite the world on a platform of equality, peace, and shared beliefs. He highlighted the achievement of gender parity in the Paris 2024 Games as an example of the societal events that the company supports.

ArcelorMittal had previously partnered with the London 2012 Olympic Games, resulting in the creation of the ArcelorMittal Orbit designed by British Indian artist Anish Kapoor. For the Paris Games opening on July 26 and concluding on August 11, the company's involvement includes providing steel and manufacturing expertise for the Torch designed by French artist Mathieu Lehanneur, and the "Spectaculars" ? the Olympic Rings and Agitos ? a project led by engineer Professor Pierre Engel.

Professor Engel noted that the project involved challenges such as determining the position, designing innovative lighting, and ensuring the safety of iconic Paris landmarks. The Rings, measuring 29 meters wide by 15 meters high and positioned between the first and second floors of the Eiffel Tower, represent the continents of the world in red, blue, green, yellow, and black, illuminated in white at night. The Agitos, depicted in red, blue, and green, remain colored throughout the day and night.

ArcelorMittal CEO Aditya Mittal expressed that being an official partner of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and supplier of the Torch provides an excellent opportunity to showcase steel's beauty, versatility, and potential. The company's XCarb products are manufactured using the electric arc furnace route, utilizing high levels of scrap steel and 100% renewable energy, resulting in a low carbon footprint.

Chairman Lakshmi Mittal added that the Paris 2024 Games resonate with the values upheld by ArcelorMittal worldwide, including striving for excellence, promoting inclusion and diversity, and working towards achieving net zero emissions, as demonstrated by Paris 2024's ambition to limit its CO2 footprint.The "Spectaculars" are expected to remain atop Paris landmarks beyond the Olympic Games, with the Mayor planning to retain them until at least the year's end, anticipating a second life for the next set of Games in France.