In today’s world, sustainability is not just a moral responsibility but a crucial business necessity, particularly in Europe. Companies are increasingly required to adapt to evolving environmental policies and incorporate sustainable practices into their operations. This shift is driven by various factors, including regulatory requirements, market competition, environmental accountability, reputational concerns, and the pursuit of innovation and profitability.
The European Union has set ambitious goals under the European Green Deal to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. This includes stringent carbon emission standards and mandatory environmental compliance for businesses. Regulations such as the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) and the Climate Law enforce the integration of sustainability into corporate strategies, compelling organizations to report on their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. Moreover, policies favoring circular economy principles promote recycling, waste reduction, and the use of renewable resources, requiring companies to reevaluate and modify their business practices.
Market dynamics also play a critical role in this transition. Consumers increasingly favor eco-friendly products and services, while investors prioritize companies with robust ESG credentials. Multinational corporations demand their suppliers adhere to environmental standards, driving sustainability across value chains. These market pressures highlight the necessity for businesses to align with sustainable practices to maintain competitiveness and attract investment.
Environmental responsibility is another key driver. Industries are significant contributors to greenhouse gas emissions, necessitating sustainable practices to mitigate climate change and conserve natural resources. Unsustainable practices, such as resource overexploitation or environmental pollution, are increasingly scrutinized by the public, further emphasizing the need for corporate accountability.
Beyond environmental and market imperatives, companies committed to sustainability enhance their reputations and build trust with consumers and employees. Such organizations are better equipped to avoid penalties, protests, and boycotts while positioning themselves as market leaders. Sustainability efforts also foster innovation, leading to resource efficiency, reduced waste, and the development of new products, technologies, and business models that open new markets and drive profitability.
Leaders in Sustainability: HTR Refractories brings leader producers in the local market
HTR Refractories has the privilege of representing global leaders in sustainability, such as RHI Magnesita and Estanda, on the local market. These companies exemplify how integrating sustainable practices into business operations leads to innovation, reduced environmental impact, and enhanced value for stakeholders.
RHI Magnesita, a global leader in refractory materials, has adopted a comprehensive sustainability strategy. The company aims to reduce its CO₂ emissions intensity by 15% by 2025 compared to 2018 levels. This goal is supported by initiatives such as increased use of recycled materials, improved energy efficiency, and a shift toward low-carbon energy sources. By 2025, RHI Magnesita plans for 15% of its raw materials to come from recycled sources, promoting a circular economy while significantly reducing carbon emissions. Their innovative “4PRO” contract model, introduced in November 2024, revolutionizes refractory solutions for high-temperature industries such as steel, cement, and glass, advancing both technological and sustainability goals. RHI Magnesita’s achievements are reflected in its high ESG ratings and adherence to international standards such as ISO 14001, ISO 50001, and ISO 45001.
Estanda, a Spanish manufacturer specializing in high-quality steel castings, demonstrates how sustainability can be integrated into industrial processes. By using 100% recycled steel scrap, the company minimizes waste and enhances resource efficiency. All production processes rely on renewable energy, significantly reducing their environmental footprint. Estanda also exemplifies circular economy principles by recycling sand used in mold-making and effectively managing waste. In 2023, the company’s CO₂ emissions were limited to just 208.2 kg per 1,000 kg of cast steel, a testament to its environmental stewardship. Additionally, Estanda supports sustainable supply chains by providing clients with detailed CO₂ assessments, enabling better environmental management.
Driving Local Impact Through Sustainability
HTR Refractories is dedicated to leveraging the expertise of RHI Magnesita and Estanda to foster local innovation and sustainability. By introducing these global leaders’ products to the market, HTR Refractories supports local manufacturers in developing new products, optimizing production processes, and aligning with sustainability standards. This collaboration not only enhances the value of final products but also contributes to the broader transition toward a sustainable economy.
In conclusion, the integration of sustainability into business practices is no longer optional. Companies that embrace this transformation position themselves as leaders, not just in their industries but also in the global effort to create a sustainable future. Through its partnerships, HTR Refractories demonstrates how businesses can achieve innovation, profitability, and environmental stewardship, setting an example for the entire industrial sector.
HTR Refractories
Photo: iStock
A commentary by Stefan Borgas, CEO, RHI Magnesita
This year has been dubbed “the year of elections”. By the end of 2024, 64 countries will have or have had new governments or administrations including the EU, US, Japan, UK, France and India. Businesses worldwide are anticipating what the possible policy changes will be and will mean for them. Especially critical industries could become crucial for an economic recovery.
The world has changed
To fully understand the challenges, we must recognize the geo-political disruptions have changed the world. From our global perspective at RHI Magnesita we clearly see that a series of shocks – including the pandemic, regional wars, the rise of protectionism measures on climate change and immigration – have collectively battered long-established supply chains and global trade networks. The industrial sector, especially heavy and basic industry in most global economies has been in stagnation for more than two years; a recovery is not at sight. Service and IT sectors cannot in the long-term balance out the industrial stagnation or even downturn. A prolonged, much more uncertain environment is testing the way we plan and manage global businesses. The global economy of the past 40 years is no more; industries must be prepared to find new answers and solutions.
The mission-critical refractories industry is feeling this seismic shift keenly. Alarm bells should ring with policymakers and industry leaders around the world, if this industry were to suffer materially.
Refractories are highly engineered materials designed to withstand very high temperatures well in excess of 1,200° C. They coat the inside of blast furnaces, crucibles and kilns which produce steel, aluminium, cement, glass, chemicals and many other materials that make-up the building blocks of modern societies. They are a very small part of the cost base but completely essential to the industrials sector which is the backbone of economic growth.
The continuing demand downturn and its impact
Another year that started with hopefulness for the refractory industry has taken a turn in recent months. Continuing poor macro-economic conditions, new economic policy measures and trade barriers have resulted in a market downturn in almost every geography due to the downturn of user industries. Even regions such as India, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, which we had anticipated to be “bright spots”, have also shown signs of short-term demand weakness.
Western economies are experiencing an industrial recession due to shrinking demand from the construction, transport and machinery sectors. The structural reduction of the industrial sector in China, the largest consumer and producer of metals, glass and cement, has led to an imbalance in world trade. The country is going through a deep structural shift from a supply-driven economy to a demand driven economy – this is painful, it will take time, and it will cost a lot of money, patience and adjusting – for the Chinese as well as for the entire world. Low domestic consumption has accelerated Chinese steel, metals, glass, and refractory exports, which cannot be easily absorbed due to low demand in destination economies.
Some analysts and commentators do not forecast any improvement in the demand situation for at least the next 12-18 months. This would then result in more than three years of continued downturn or industrial recession. Others are even beginning to question whether demand will ever return to prior levels.
The global demand downturn is further complicated by the recent increase in sea freight costs, transit times and reduced freight reliability arising from the Red Sea crisis, low water levels in the Panama Canal and port congestions. Rising bauxite and alumina prices due to a supply shortage for example, have resulted in cost inflations of alumina-based products, to reflect the higher cost of raw materials. The same is about to happen in magnesite based raw materials too. Developed markets continue to face the incremental challenge of labor cost inflation which is still not being absorbed.
With raw materials making up ca. 70% of total cost of goods, we must pass these inflationary cost increases on to our customers to reasonably protect our already thin margins. Industry-wide, capital expenditure and innovation efforts are already at a dangerous minimum.
The repercussions of a widespread closure of unprofitable refractories plants or production lines could be severe. If, and when, the turning point for an economic recovery comes, world leaders will be bitterly disappointed if steelmakers are hamstrung by shrunken refractories supply capability. So, one would assume that the issues impacting the future of the refractories industry would be high on policymakers’ agendas. Yet still, the refractories industry – the essential ingredient for making our cars, houses, plastics, even paper – does not have the public attention it justifies.
In Europe, Ursula von der Leyen’s new EU Commission announced in September signaled a commitment to reinvigorate Europe’s industrial strategy, but this will be futile if the needs of the refractories industry aren’t taken into account.
For example, RHI Magnesita is calling for a review of the Critical Raw Materials Act to include high-purity magnesia and dolomite, two key refractories precursor minerals, to ensure that refractories production in Europe remains financially viable and innovation continues.
The refractory overcapacity
But as politicians change and policies get modified, I also encourage our industry to help itself:
We today have a self-inflicted overcapacity problem which must no longer go unaddressed. A number of major producers have been progressively building out new greenfield plants in a flat, no-growth industry with pricing challenges. We estimate that excess capacity is running at some 40% above demand and, shockingly, growing. For example, India alone is seeing an addition of almost 300 kt of new greenfield capacity in the next 2-3 years. Reasonable growth of customer demand in India has led to a frensy race for new capacities by many refractory players in India jointly producing very large overcapacity. How rational is this in the context of the macro challenges outside of our industry’s control? RHI Magnesita has been pursuing growth via an M&A strategy while focusing on bringing new innovations and greener production methods to the industry.
Decarbonization needs policy support
Value-add instead of old-style mass production must become a priority. Innovations including refractories recycling or refractory life extension through digital data usage must become more widespread to improve the sustainability of our product and help our customers improve theirs. The opportunity if we focus on innovation is still there.
The Governments and policy makers can help here as well. Within RHI Magnesita’s own sustainability agenda we have ambitions to take a lead on hydrogen adoption and carbon capture and utilization – neither of which will be possible without policy intervention to support new technologies, risk capital to allow first-mover industrial installations, as well as new infrastructure that will benefit a wider industrial decarbonization journey and help the industrial sector to grow again.
Refractories are an overlooked ‘critical’ global industry, a facilitator of the building blocks of modern society. Today, macro crises have led us to a highly challenging juncture. It is essential that we adapt quickly to help power a global economic recovery, and for this we need horizontal and vertical private sector collaboration and public sector recognition, support and engagement.
Source: RHI Magnesita
RHI Magnesita’s Low CO2 Gunning Mixes
RHI Magnesita has been developing sustainable refractory solutions, focusing on gunning mixes that incorporate circular raw materials to reduce the carbon footprint. Our efforts have resulted in gunning mixes with a 30 -85% reduced carbon footprint in EU, CIS, and Türkiye, reducing customers’ Scope 3 CO2 emissions. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship in the refractory industry.
About the ANKERJETY- Series
RHI Magnesita’s ANKERJET Y line, a well-established brand in sustainable gunning mixes, is based on MgO-C circular raw materials. Currently, the brand is produced in Veitsch and is mainly available for the European market. The portfolio includes eight distinct product variations, specifically designed for use in EAF, BOF, and steel ladles, ensuring optimal performance.
ANKERJET YW12-AT stands out as an innovative recycling solution that replaces traditional sintered magnesia formulations with a cutting-edge circular MgO-C concept. It is designed for the hot repair of ladle linings through direct gunning, which has proven to be one of the most effective methods for extending ladle lifespan. The ANKERJET YW12-AT gunning mix incorporates up to 30% circular raw material, successfully displacing traditional brands without any loss of performance.
From Development to Successful Implementation
RHI Magnesita has successfully introduced the innovative ANKERJET YW12-AT brand at a key customer site in Southern Europe, marking a significant advancement in sustainable refractory management. This initiative is part of our commitment to circular economy practices, as RHI Magnesita manages total refractory solutions.
In a groundbreaking test conducted with 100-ton ladles, the product demonstrated excellent adhesion, minimal rebounding, and superior heat management capabilities—performance that met and exceeded expectations.
Over five days, a dedicated team conducted extensive testing, applying 24 tons of the material across 12 ladles and 21 different application samples. The results were compelling, with operators reporting that ANKERJET YW12-AT adheres better than conventional products, even under more challenging conditions in the slag line of the ladle.
The positive outcomes have prompted the steel plant managers to authorize a transition in their product portfolio. Beginning June 2024, ANKERJET YW12-AT has started to replace traditional products as the standard offering, allowing for the substitution of 900 tons of conventional material with a circular solution. This shift is projected to prevent approximately 500 tons of CO2 emissions annually, equivalent to 12 turns by truck around the world!
By adopting ANKERJET YW12-AT, customers can reduce their CO2 emissions by up to 30% per ton of installed material compared to virgin brands. This innovative solution represents a transformative step in the market.
If you are interested in knowing more about RHI Magnesita’s sustainable gunning mixes, please visit Sustainable Refractory Solutions—New Gunning Mixes Containing Circular Material | RHI Magnesita.
For more information about the evolution of ANKERJET YW12-AT or similar products available in your region, please do not hesitate to us.
Source: RHI Magnesita
In a rapidly evolving world, adaptation is no longer optional—it is essential. RHI Magnesita is driven by a profound purpose: to master heat and enable global industries to construct a sustainable modern life.
RHI Magnesita aims to transcend the traditional role of selling refractory products and basic services with advancements that necessitate a more holistic approach.
4PRO Business Model addresses the dynamic challenges faced by industries and society today and emphasizes four key pillars: Performance, Partnership, People, and Planet. Through this, the companygoes far beyond selling refractory products and basic services: the portfolio now includes recycled products, robotics, systems, sensors, digital solutions, decarbonization solutions, and green steel solutions. 4PRO emphasizes transparency, operational safety, and social responsibility while supporting a circular economy and helping industries transition to greener practices. More than a contract, it is a new form of interaction with customers and an innovative solution to the contemporary challenges of the industry and society.
For more details, visit 4PRO by RHI Magnesita.
This February, HTR Refractories celebrates the first 10 years of successful work in providing the best products and services in the heavy industry sector.
With over thirty years of accumulated knowledge and experience in refractories and black metallurgy, HTR Refractories was founded in December 2013 with its headquarters in Belgrade, officially commencing operations in February 2014. The initial ambition was to meet all the needs of the key partner, the leading refractory company, Austrian RHI AG, in the Southeast European market.
Believing in the indisputable quality of products and a proven reputation, we intensified our efforts towards two main goals: first, to supply customers in the region with top-notch materials and services that contribute, facilitate, and optimize their production processes; and second, to provide our principal with a complete market analysis and develop specific strategies for each customer individually to achieve better market placement and business improvement in this region.
To enable the achievement of these goals, we initially worked on creating an internal company structure, focusing on customer needs. We formed teams operating in two sectors primarily dedicated to providing comprehensive support services to customers and clients, both in administrative and logistical aspects, as well as in specialized technical scope. This business model in a specific industry and challenging times laid the foundation for development, ensured stable growth, and positioned us as a recognizable company with a clear perspective, successfully overcoming all challenges.
Adapting to the times and dynamic technological advancements, we eagerly embraced all changes. We continuously invested in the knowledge and capacities of our potential to respond to any demand. We actively worked on recognizing customer needs and developing new supply systems. We established new partnerships and representations and expanded the portfolio of companies we represent with new products for the industry.
Today, we represent three companies in the Southeast European market, becoming reliable partners to them. We successfully monitor and contribute to the implementation of all development projects, acquisitions, and improvements introduced by our principals. We are present with all iron and steel, cement and lime, energy and mining manufacturers in our region, where we are recognized as stable support and where, year after year, we achieve excellent results. Our technical service has expanded its operations to manufacturers from Eastern European countries, thus expanding our expertise and capacities. But that’s not all.
Our plans for the next 10 years follow the vision of sustainable growth, modernization, and technological advancement. We believe that an exciting journey of significant changes lies ahead in the basic industry sector within which we operate, and we aim to contribute together with our principals to the improvement of production processes. As a company representing foreign companies in a specific area that we believe is of essential importance for economic development, we plan to further innovate business models by expanding the range of services. Additionally, we believe in our potential and remain open to new partnerships and representations, as well as expansion into new markets.
What unites the past and the future and forms the foundation of our company are our values. From the very beginning, we nurture transparency, sustainability, corporate and social responsibility, respect for diversity and inclusivity, a commitment to continuous learning and development of employees, as well as exceptional dedication to customer experience and satisfaction. These values sustain our business culture based on ethics, integrity, and long-term success.
Here’s to many more years of success.
HTR Refractories
This year, Fundiciones del ESTANDA is celebrating 70 years of success, innovation and growth. It is an exciting moment that fills us with pride and gratitude. This anniversary is not only a reflection of commitment and passion, but also, above all, of the support and trust that our customers and collaborators have given us over the years.
Without their support, we would not have come this far. From our humble beginnings to becoming the company we are today, we have travelled a path full of challenges and achievements together.
Thank you for being part of our journey and we look forward to growing together in the years to come!
Source: Estanda
Photo: Estanda
Acquisition leads to step change in RHI Magnesita’s process industries business, especially strengthening the company’s market position in the glass and aluminium industry
RHI Magnesita, the leading global supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems and solutions, today announces the completion of the acquisition of the Germany, Czech Republic and Slovenia based refractory businesses of the Preiss-Daimler Group (“P-D Refractories”). P-D Refractories is a producer of high quality alumina-based refractories for industrial applications in process industries, with a leading market position in the glass and aluminium sectors. The product portfolio of P-D Refractories ranges from high-alumina specialties to bauxite, andalusite, silica, fireclay or magnesite bricks. In 2022, P-D Refractories has recorded revenues of €171 million.
The acquisition offers multiple growth opportunities, not the least through enabling RHI Magnesita to offer a significantly expanded product and service portfolio to an extended customer base. Customers of P-D Refractories comprise a large range of customers in process industries, especially glass and aluminium industry. While the production facilities of P-D Refractories are based in Europe, the company has a global market presence, with well established brands (e.g., Dr. C. Otto) and top-performing products that are esteemed by customers worldwide.
Through the acquisition, four production facilities (in Germany and the Czech Republic) and two raw material mines (in the Czech Republic and Slovenia) are added to the global production network of RHI Magnesita. The vertical integration of P-D Refractories represents a unique advantage and weaves seamlessly into RHI Magnesita’s existing production footprint in Europe. Substantial benefits are also expected through leveraging RHI Magnesita’s leading position in the field of recycling by integrating the company’s know-how into the operations of P-D Refractories. Additional considerable synergies are targeted through leveraging cross-selling opportunities, procurement efficiencies and streamlined logistics.
Commenting on the acquisition, Stefan Borgas, CEO RHI Magnesita, said: “The production capabilities and vertical integration of P-D Refractories, combined with RHI Magnesita’s know-how and renowned R&D capabilities, will complement our product portfolio and enlarge our production footprint and sales channels on a global scale. This acquisition is our sixth transaction to close in the year to date and marks a major milestone for both companies in the process industries sector. Together we look forward to expanding our footprint and strengthening our market presence by offering high-grade refractory products and solutions to an enlarged customer base.”
Source: RHI Magnesita
Photo: RHI Magnesita
It is our great pleasure that HTR Technical Service has marked another spot on the map of European steelworks.
Thanks to our principal, RHI Magnesita, and the local management, our technical service participated in providing support during the trial of EAF roof casting with COMPAC SOL at the ArcelorMittal steel shop in Hunedoara, Romania. This opportunity allowed us to demonstrate the high quality of refractory products that RHI Magnesita provides to the steel industry worldwide, along with our technical support.
The Sol mixes offer unique features in terms of ease of handling and rapid heat-up and show exceptional service life in many applications. It was shown in a series of tests and experiments that workability and final product properties of the Sol mixes remain unchanged. This product provides a significant improvement in terms of ease of application and further demonstrates RHI Magnesita’s role as a technology leader in this field.
As part of RHI Magnesita’s sales and service representatives in the local market, HTR’s technical support team has good experience with this monolithic refractory, both in terms of installation and excellent performance and lifetime.
In the realm of steel production, one cannot overlook the significant role played by ferroalloys. These remarkable alloys, composed of iron and other essential elements, serve as indispensable additives in the steelmaking process. Let’s delve into the world of ferroalloys and explore their importance in the steel industry.
Enhancing Steel Quality
Ferroalloys are known for their remarkable ability to enhance the quality and properties of steel. By introducing specific ferroalloys into the steel production process, manufacturers can achieve desired characteristics such as increased strength, improved corrosion resistance, enhanced heat resistance, and superior electrical conductivity. These alloys act as performance enhancers, elevating steel to new levels of functionality.
Alloying Elements
Ferroalloys consist of various alloying elements, each with its unique contribution to the final steel product. For instance, ferrochromium, an alloy of chromium and iron, imparts exceptional resistance to corrosion, making it ideal for stainless steel production. Ferromanganese, on the other hand, enriches steel with high tensile strength, making it suitable for construction applications. Similarly, other ferroalloys like ferrosilicon, ferrotitanium, and ferrovanadium possess their own distinct properties, widening the range of applications for steel products.
Desulfurization and Deoxidation
Ferroalloys also play a crucial role in desulfurizing and deoxidizing steel during the production process. Sulphur and oxygen impurities have detrimental effects on steel quality, leading to reduced mechanical properties and increased brittleness. However, by introducing specific ferroalloys such as ferrosilicon and ferromanganese, these impurities can be efficiently removed, resulting in cleaner and more durable steel.
Cost Efficiency
Ferroalloys offer a cost-effective solution for steel manufacturers. By carefully selecting the appropriate alloying elements, manufacturers can optimize the production process and achieve desired steel properties without compromising on quality. The ability to customize steel compositions through ferroalloys helps in reducing overall production costs while ensuring superior performance.
Versatility and Application Range
The versatility of ferroalloys enables the steel industry to cater to diverse applications across various sectors. From automotive and construction to electrical and manufacturing industries, steel products fortified with appropriate ferroalloys fulfill a wide array of requirements. Whether it’s structural integrity, heat resistance, or specialized characteristics, ferroalloys allow steel to meet the demands of modern-day applications.
The steel industry heavily relies on ferroalloys to augment the quality, performance, and versatility of steel products. With their remarkable alloying capabilities, ferroalloys bring forth a new era of steel manufacturing, enabling the production of customized, high-performance materials. As the steel industry continues to evolve, the significance of ferroalloys as indispensable additives is set to grow, driving innovation and progress in the world of steel.
Our principal, Intertrade Company, with its many years of experience, operational capabilities, logistics and warehousing capacities located in Skopje, at the crossroads of all major roads connecting the capital cities of the Balkans, has positioned itself as the largest supplier of ferroalloys in the region. The extensive network of contacts with manufacturers from the EU, Ukraine, India, and China enables us to directly procure the highest quality ferroalloys at the most favorable prices.
Delighted to inform you about the acquisition of Dalmia GSB, a supplier of monolithic lances and other precast products for the steel industry.
The transaction will enable RHIMagnesita to expand its customer offering in Europe, with monolithic lances becoming a complementary addition to the Group’s existing product range. With this acquisition, a new plant in Bochum, Germany, and more than 40 new colleagues are joining RHI Magnesita.
Constantin Beelitz, Regional President Europe, CIS & Türkiye, paid a visit to the new plant to personally welcome the new team to the RHI Magnesita family.
DGSB is a leading supplier of monolithic lances and other precast products to European steel customers for use in the desulphurisation and homogenisation of molten steel. Attractive potential synergies are expected to be realised through the inclusion of the additional products within the Group’s heat management solutions offering and from cross-selling, procurement and logistics benefits.
Source: RHI Magnesita.
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