Tata Steel's Digital Leap: Empowering MSMEs and Paving the Way for Sustainable Steel
June 21, 2025, 4:40 am

Location: India, Maharashtra, Mumbai
Employees: 10001+
Founded date: 1907
Total raised: $2.92M
In a world where steel is the backbone of industry, Tata Steel is reshaping the landscape. The company has launched DigECA, a digital platform designed to empower Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This initiative is not just a step; it’s a leap into the future of steel procurement.
DigECA is more than an e-commerce platform. It’s a bridge connecting MSMEs directly to Tata Steel’s offerings. Gone are the days of navigating complex distribution chains. With DigECA, businesses can access real-time information on product availability, order status, and delivery timelines. It’s like having a crystal ball for steel procurement.
The platform initially catered to channel partners but has now opened its doors to emerging corporate accounts (ECAs). This shift signifies Tata Steel’s commitment to inclusivity. By welcoming MSMEs, the company acknowledges their vital role in the economy. These small businesses are the lifeblood of innovation and growth.
Since its pilot launch, DigECA has attracted over 2,000 ECA customers. This rapid onboarding is a testament to the platform’s effectiveness. Tata Steel has reported significant growth in gross merchandise value. The secret? Reducing friction in the procurement process. From inquiry to post-supply support, every step is streamlined.
Tata Steel’s vice president of marketing and sales, Prabhat Kumar, emphasizes the company’s focus on customer-centric solutions. The goal is clear: enhance customer satisfaction through digital innovation. DigECA simplifies the steel buying experience. It fosters a direct relationship between Tata Steel and its customers. This connection is crucial in today’s fast-paced market.
While DigECA primarily focuses on flat steel products, its ambitions stretch further. The platform aims to modernize how industrial buyers interact with major steel producers. It’s a bold move that could redefine the MSME ecosystem in India.
But Tata Steel isn’t just stopping at digital transformation. The company is also making strides in sustainability. In a recent agreement, HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Tata Steel (Thailand) for lower-carbon steel wire materials. This partnership is a strategic step towards eco-friendly steel production.
The MOU aims to triple eco-friendly steel tire cord sales by 2027. This aligns with global tire manufacturers' goals for low-carbon sourcing. HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS will secure a reliable supply of low-emission steel wire materials. These materials are essential for producing steel tire cords, which are crucial for tire durability and stability.
Tata Steel (Thailand) employs electric arc furnace (EAF) technology. This method is a game-changer. It produces steel from recycled scrap metal, achieving higher energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions by about 60%. By utilizing these materials, HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS can produce eco-friendly tire cords with a significantly lower carbon footprint.
The demand for sustainable materials is on the rise, especially in developed markets. HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS aims to increase its eco-friendly steel tire cord sales from 5% in 2025 to 15% by 2027. This ambitious target reflects the growing importance of sustainability in the steel industry.
Recognition for HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS’ commitment to sustainability is already in the books. The company received the Platinum Medal from EcoVadis, awarded to the top 1% of companies in ESG ratings. Additionally, it was included in the Dow Jones Sustainable Management Index (DJSI) Korea for the second consecutive year. These accolades underscore the importance of sustainable practices in today’s business landscape.
Tata Steel’s dual approach—enhancing digital capabilities for MSMEs while committing to sustainability—positions it as a leader in the steel industry. The launch of DigECA and the partnership with HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS are not just isolated events. They are part of a larger narrative. A narrative that emphasizes innovation, inclusivity, and responsibility.
As the steel industry evolves, Tata Steel is not just keeping pace; it’s setting the pace. The company’s initiatives reflect a deep understanding of market dynamics. They recognize that MSMEs are not just customers; they are partners in progress. By empowering these businesses, Tata Steel is fostering a more resilient economy.
In conclusion, Tata Steel is forging a new path. The launch of DigECA is a bold step towards digital transformation. The partnership with HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS is a commitment to sustainability. Together, these initiatives create a robust framework for the future of steel. A future where innovation and responsibility go hand in hand. Tata Steel is not just shaping steel; it’s shaping the future.
DigECA is more than an e-commerce platform. It’s a bridge connecting MSMEs directly to Tata Steel’s offerings. Gone are the days of navigating complex distribution chains. With DigECA, businesses can access real-time information on product availability, order status, and delivery timelines. It’s like having a crystal ball for steel procurement.
The platform initially catered to channel partners but has now opened its doors to emerging corporate accounts (ECAs). This shift signifies Tata Steel’s commitment to inclusivity. By welcoming MSMEs, the company acknowledges their vital role in the economy. These small businesses are the lifeblood of innovation and growth.
Since its pilot launch, DigECA has attracted over 2,000 ECA customers. This rapid onboarding is a testament to the platform’s effectiveness. Tata Steel has reported significant growth in gross merchandise value. The secret? Reducing friction in the procurement process. From inquiry to post-supply support, every step is streamlined.
Tata Steel’s vice president of marketing and sales, Prabhat Kumar, emphasizes the company’s focus on customer-centric solutions. The goal is clear: enhance customer satisfaction through digital innovation. DigECA simplifies the steel buying experience. It fosters a direct relationship between Tata Steel and its customers. This connection is crucial in today’s fast-paced market.
While DigECA primarily focuses on flat steel products, its ambitions stretch further. The platform aims to modernize how industrial buyers interact with major steel producers. It’s a bold move that could redefine the MSME ecosystem in India.
But Tata Steel isn’t just stopping at digital transformation. The company is also making strides in sustainability. In a recent agreement, HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Tata Steel (Thailand) for lower-carbon steel wire materials. This partnership is a strategic step towards eco-friendly steel production.
The MOU aims to triple eco-friendly steel tire cord sales by 2027. This aligns with global tire manufacturers' goals for low-carbon sourcing. HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS will secure a reliable supply of low-emission steel wire materials. These materials are essential for producing steel tire cords, which are crucial for tire durability and stability.
Tata Steel (Thailand) employs electric arc furnace (EAF) technology. This method is a game-changer. It produces steel from recycled scrap metal, achieving higher energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions by about 60%. By utilizing these materials, HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS can produce eco-friendly tire cords with a significantly lower carbon footprint.
The demand for sustainable materials is on the rise, especially in developed markets. HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS aims to increase its eco-friendly steel tire cord sales from 5% in 2025 to 15% by 2027. This ambitious target reflects the growing importance of sustainability in the steel industry.
Recognition for HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS’ commitment to sustainability is already in the books. The company received the Platinum Medal from EcoVadis, awarded to the top 1% of companies in ESG ratings. Additionally, it was included in the Dow Jones Sustainable Management Index (DJSI) Korea for the second consecutive year. These accolades underscore the importance of sustainable practices in today’s business landscape.
Tata Steel’s dual approach—enhancing digital capabilities for MSMEs while committing to sustainability—positions it as a leader in the steel industry. The launch of DigECA and the partnership with HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS are not just isolated events. They are part of a larger narrative. A narrative that emphasizes innovation, inclusivity, and responsibility.
As the steel industry evolves, Tata Steel is not just keeping pace; it’s setting the pace. The company’s initiatives reflect a deep understanding of market dynamics. They recognize that MSMEs are not just customers; they are partners in progress. By empowering these businesses, Tata Steel is fostering a more resilient economy.
In conclusion, Tata Steel is forging a new path. The launch of DigECA is a bold step towards digital transformation. The partnership with HS HYOSUNG ADVANCED MATERIALS is a commitment to sustainability. Together, these initiatives create a robust framework for the future of steel. A future where innovation and responsibility go hand in hand. Tata Steel is not just shaping steel; it’s shaping the future.