The EPO published patent application EP4438195A1 for Baoshan Iron & Steel Co., Ltd. covering a method and device for cross-process use of cold/hot-rolled excess material. The invention relates to industrial systems that enable reuse of excess steel materials across different manufacturing processes, classified under B21B 37/00, G06Q 50/04, and G06Q 10/08. The patent is designated for all EU member states including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom.

This is a patent grant rather than a regulatory action with compliance obligations. Steel manufacturers and industrial firms operating in EU-designated states do not face new regulatory requirements. Companies in the steel production or manufacturing sectors may consider the published technical approach for their own R&D or to assess potential patent landscape considerations for similar material reuse systems.