Roca Group Unveils World’s First Electric Kiln for Sustainable Sanitaryware Production

Roca Group recently made a significant investment in advancing sustainability within the ceramic industry as the company pioneered the use of the world's first electric tunnel kiln for sanitaryware at its Laufen plant in Gmunden, Austria. This move aligns with Roca Group’s commitment to decarbonize its ceramic production processes, known for their inherent energy and carbon intensity. Here is a detailed report on SURFACES REPORTER (SR).

Groundbreaking Electric Kiln

Partnering with Keramischer Ofenbau, a leading German kiln manufacturer specializing in sustainable innovations for over 25 years, Roca Group aims to revolutionize ceramic production. The electric tunnel kiln, developed over four years, has commenced production of intricate ceramic pieces in Gmunden. Notably, the Laufen plant, already powered by renewable energy, serves as the inaugural site for this groundbreaking technology due to its conducive environment for high-quality product manufacturing. The innovation of the electric kiln has already been registered by the European Patent Office.

Sustainable Innovation

As a highly efficient, decarbonized and automated solution, this electric kiln offers a compelling alternative to traditional fossil fuel-dependent ceramic production. It plays a pivotal role in Gmunden’s ambition to become the world’s first net-zero sanitaryware production facility by 2024. Roca Group’s strategic investment aligns with its broader decarbonization strategy, evident in the 39 per cent reduction in direct CO2 emissions achieved by the end of 2022 compared to the 2018 baseline. The company is working towards its Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) goal of carbon neutrality by 2045.

The success of the new kiln system extends beyond sanitaryware production, presenting potential applications in various ceramic sectors such as structural and technical ceramics or tableware. This achievement demonstrates that complete decarbonization of ceramic production is not only feasible but also economically viable. Gunter Halex, Chairman, Advisory Board, Keramischer Ofenbau, highlighted the advanced technologies’ capability to decarbonize the ceramics industry, underscoring the electric kiln’s positive contribution to sustainability and quality in ceramic products. He noted, “This groundbreaking and innovative project shows that our technology can maintain maximum quality in ceramic products while making a positive contribution to our planet.”

×

Post Your Comment


"Content that powers your Business. News that keeps you informed."

Surfaces Reporter is one of India's leading media in Print & Digital Telecast for News on Interiors & Architecture Projects, Products, Building Materials, and the Business of Design! Since 2011, it serves as a referral for designers & architects to know about inspiring projects and source new products. If you have a Product or Project worth publishing in Surfaces Reporter, please email us hello@surfacesreporter.com or you can also submit your project online.

Like Surfaces Reporter on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter and Instagram | Subscribe to our magazine | Sign Up for the FREE Surfaces Reporter Magazine Newsletter

UEL Builds India’s First Sugarcrete Classroom Using Sugarcane Waste in Noida

Located at Panchsheel Balak Inter College, the classroom marks the first-ever built structure made entirely from Sugarcrete, offering both educational utility and a real-world demonstration of the material’s possibilities.

Read more

This Kerala Home Uses Waste Laterite, Solar Canopies and Permaculture to Redefine Sustainability | Alarine Earth Home

Their primary intent was to create a structure that would be non-intrusive, blending effortlessly with the land while preserving the expansive views of the paddy fields, particularly for the neighbouring community behind them.

Read more

This Doorless, Bamboo-Clad Academic Hub Blurs Campus and Community Borders | TAPMI Sustainability Centre

The building acts as a social condenser, drawing people in for a variety of informal activities, discussions and interactions, thus supporting an ecosystem of learning that transcends structured classroom boundaries.

Read more

Ocean Awareness Meets Design in a Cardboard, Bamboo and Carbon Fibre-Made Pavilion | Blue Ocean Dome

The pavilion is composed of three interconnected domes, namely, Dome A, Dome B and Dome C, each employing different materials and structural philosophies that reflect Ban’s architectural ethos and ingenuity.

Read more


This is alt