<p>Self-reducing pellets (SRPs) are gaining attention as a practical solution for lowering the carbon footprint of iron production. Traditional methods rely heavily on the blast furnace, where sinter is charged and makes use of fossil fuels, but SRPs contain built-in carbon sources, including renewable materials including biomass, that allow iron oxides to reduce directly during heating. This internal reduction cuts down on CO₂ emissions and energy consumption while enabling the use of low-grade iron ores and recycled material. In this paper, we examine how the composition and structure of SRPs affect their behavior during processing and their integration into different ironmaking routes, from blast furnaces to smelting reduction systems. While SRPs offer several advantages, such as faster reaction times and compatibility with alternative carbon sources, technical challenges, including pellet strength and integration with existing equipment remain. Addressing these issues will be crucial to making SRPs a core part of the steel industry’s transition to low-carbon production.</p> Graphical Abstract <p></p>