In the increasingly competitive steel market, certifying steel with blockchain technology has become a differentiating and strategic factor. Thanks to AFP® by Need Steel, digital steel certification transforms into a tool to increase the perceived value of the product, protect the supply chain, and gain a concrete competitive advantage.
By using anti-fraud digital certificates, signed on the blockchain and traceable at every step, producers can legitimately apply a premium price of up to 3% above standard market rates. This premium is justified by the trust generated among customers, who have access to certified, immutable, and always verifiable documents. Each ton of sheet metal, pipe, or profile is indeed linked to a QR code and a digital certificate compliant with international standards.
Higher margins and increased customer loyalty
The impact of AFP® goes beyond price. The added value of digital steel certification on blockchain strengthens the business relationship between producer and customer. Buyers, confident in the certified quality, are more likely to renew contracts, generating recurring revenue and reducing the risk of switching to competitors. This effect is amplified in B2B markets with multi-year supply agreements and complex sales cycles.
Moreover, the adoption of AFP® enhances the company’s reputation in the eyes of investors and stakeholders, thanks to the guaranteed transparency and compliance. This results in greater financial stability and a positive outlook on the company’s cash flow.
Positioning in high value-added markets
AFP® allows producers to access and position themselves in strategic and highly regulated sectors, such as:
- Automotive
- Aerospace
- Oil & Gas
In these markets, document traceability and digital steel certification are not optional but a condition for entry. AFP® meets these requirements by automatically integrating quality, sustainability, and safety standards without burdening the company with complex manual processes.
Pricing power and competitive advantage
Adopting AFP® means investing in the ability to increase the selling price and strengthen brand reputation, turning the implementation cost into a scalable digital asset. Additionally, the infrastructure is already prepared to integrate with the European Digital Product Passport (DPP), providing an early regulatory advantage.
In summary, certifying steel with AFP® on blockchain is not just a technological choice, but a true accelerator of growth, margins, and customer loyalty. A step forward for those who want to compete in the most advanced and regulated sectors of the steel industry.
