Roca Group, manufacturer and commercialisation of bathroom solutions, has invested in the world's first electric tunnel kiln for sanitaryware. In an effort to decarbonise the inherently energy- and carbon-intensive production of ceramic products, the company has taken a decisive step towards electrifying its production processes at the LAUFEN plant in Gmunden, Austria, thanks to advanced technology from Keramischer OFENBAU, world technology leader in ceramic kiln manufacturing.
The German kiln manufacturer has focused on sustainable innovation for more than 25 years and is the market leader in energy-efficient ceramic kilns, making it the ideal partner for Roca Group's decarbonisation project. After four years of development, the first electric tunnel kiln for sanitaryware has successfully started production of complex ceramic pieces in Gmunden. The LAUFEN plant, which already uses electricity from renewable sources, was chosen for the first implementation of this pioneering technology because it is particularly suited to the production of the latest products of the highest quality. The electric oven innovation has already been registered by the European Patent Office.
As the furnace is highly efficient, carbon-free and automated, it offers a valuable alternative to conventional fossil fuel-dependent production and is an important milestone in ensuring that Gmunden becomes the world's first CO2-emission-free sanitation production facility by 2024. This investment is also central to Roca Group's decarbonisation strategy. The Group closed 2022 with a 39% reduction in direct CO2 emissions from its 2018 baseline, thus approaching its SBTi target of CO2 neutrality by 2045.
The first production results of the new kiln system show great potential for the whole industry, as not only sanitaryware production can benefit from this new technology, but also other ceramic sectors such as structural and technical ceramics or tableware. This kiln proves that completely decarbonising ceramic production is not only possible, but also realistically and economically feasible.
Albert Magrans, CEO of Roca Group, said, "We have a long-term goal to decarbonise our operations and we have been working hard to find solutions that will help us achieve this. This new pan-European partnership not only helps us move towards net-zero, but is also a clear step forward for the industry as a whole."
Günter Halex, Chairman of the Advisory Board at Keramischer OFENBAU added: "This electric kiln once again proves that our advanced technologies can decarbonise even the CO2-intensive ceramic industry. Our electrically heated kilns offer our customers increasing independence from the energy market and enable sustainable and economic production now and in the decades to come. This pioneering and innovative project shows that our technology can maintain the maximum quality of ceramic products while making a positive contribution to our planet."
European success story for carbon-free ceramic production
With Roca Group headquarters in Spain, LAUFEN's plant in Austria and Keramischer OFENBAU in Germany, this joint project is truly a European success story on the road to future-proof sanitaryware production in Europe and the world. Through Roca Group Ventures, Roca has acquired a majority stake in Keramischer OFENBAU Holding GmbH, which owns Keramischer OFENBAU GmbH, and is investing in the company's innovation capacity for the benefit of the entire ceramic industry. The Group is also committed to supporting the company with additional funding to further develop, implement and market this pioneering technology that will define the future of the industry.
While both companies will remain completely independent, this long-term collaboration will strengthen both companies' innovation capabilities to achieve their respective decarbonisation goals with a common goal: the sustainable ceramic industry of the future.
More information:
Roca Group
www.rocagroup.com
Keramischer OFENBAU
www.keramischerofenbau.de