With a new generation of products, Calucem continues to raise environmental production standards
The objectives of the project are to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the Calucem plant through the development of a new generation of products, research and development of an efficient technological solution minimizing environmental impact, increase and further intensify Calucem’s research and development activities. The goals are to increase cooperation between Calucem and the Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Zagreb, ie between the private and scientific research sectors.
Calucem, a cement factory in Pula, is the world’s leading producer of calcium aluminate cement. Calucem is constantly investing in its own research and development activities, thanks to which it has been a leading producer of high-quality calcium aluminate cements for decades. After applying to the tender, Calucem recently received EU support from the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development from the European Regional Development Fund, under the Call for Proposals “Increasing the development of new products and services resulting from research and development activities – phase II “, and officially started the implementation of the project” Development of a new innovative ECO₂-Flex product “, KK.01.2.1.02.0047.
The project was launched on August 1, 2020, and its implementation will last for three years. The total value of the project is 34.926.624,69 HRK, and the total amount of the grant is 14.900.633,24 HRK.
The ECO₂-Flex project was launched in cooperation with Calucem and the Faculty of Civil Engineering, University of Zagreb, and thanks to a two-way approach, it will contribute to reducing the carbon footprint of the cement industry.
Improved production process
ECO₂Flex is based on an innovative product as well as an improved manufacturing process, reducing overall CO₂ and carbon footprint for Calucem and their customers.
On the other hand, the final product is an innovative calcium aluminate cement (CAC) that will reduce CO₂ emissions by about 30 percent compared to similar calcium aluminate cements available on the market.
The objectives of the project are to significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the Calucem plant through the development of a new generation of products, research and development of an efficient technological solution minimizing environmental impact, increase and further intensify Calucem’s research and development activities.
Successful implementation of the project will bring multiple benefits for Calucem but also for the local economy, global customers and the local community.
“We are very proud to have received recognition from the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, Hamag Bicro and the EU for our efforts to contribute to CO₂ reduction, making us the first in the industry. The recognition relates to achieving and confirming significant improvements in CO₂ reduction in our products, as well as in the process, which benefits all stakeholders, especially our customers and the environment, says CEO and CEO of Calucem Group Yuri Bouwhuis.
Innovation for environmental protection
Participation in this European project was also commented on by the CTO and R&D Director of the Calucem Group, Dr. Günther Walenta.
“Innovation in the field of environmental protection are key elements within our innovation strategy that ensure the future business success of the Calucem Group. These ambitions are strongly recognized and rewarded with trust and financial support from the European Union together with the Government of the Republic of Croatia. This project perfectly combines the scientific competencies of the University of Zagreb with the extensive production experience of our factory in Pula, with a high level of support from our German team for applied technology”, he said.
Full article on Croatian is available on this link.