Revolutionizing Ceramics: World's First 4D Ceramic Slab Created with Green Hydrogen
Key Ideas
- Iris Ceramica Group and Edison Next collaboratively produce the world's first 4D ceramic slab using a blend of green hydrogen and natural gas, promoting sustainability in the ceramics industry.
- The H2 Factory in Castellarano, Reggio Emilia, serves as the production site, utilizing innovative technologies to achieve 100% green hydrogen usage.
- The partnership aims to decarbonize the ceramics sector by increasing the percentage of green hydrogen, with plans to power the kiln with a blend of methane and green hydrogen up to 50%.
- The project not only demonstrates a commitment to sustainability but also enhances competitiveness in the market, setting a pioneering example for other companies to follow suit.
In a groundbreaking development, the Iris Ceramica Group and Edison Next have successfully produced the world's first 4D technical ceramic slab using a combination of green hydrogen obtained from renewable sources and natural gas. The 4D Ceramics, with dimensions of 3.2 meters by 1.6 meters and 12 mm thick, symbolize a leap in sustainable manufacturing. The production took place at the H2 Factory in Castellarano, Reggio Emilia, a cutting-edge facility designed for 100% green hydrogen utilization.
The initiative marks a significant milestone in the joint efforts of Iris Ceramica Group and Edison Next to decarbonize the ceramics industry. By leveraging advanced technologies and a forward-looking approach, the partners aim to transition towards net zero emissions, starting with powering the H2 Factory with green hydrogen.
Key figures from both companies expressed pride in this achievement, highlighting its transformative potential for the sector and Italian manufacturing as a whole. The project represents a shift towards a new industrial culture centered on sustainability and innovation.
The partnership plans to scale up production by increasing the percentage of green hydrogen in the manufacturing process, ultimately aiming for a 50% blend with methane. This ambitious goal is supported by Edison Next's forthcoming green hydrogen production plant, designed for sustainability and efficiency.
As part of the project's initial phase, a pilot production plant is already operational, utilizing renewable energy to produce green hydrogen for testing purposes. The successful outcomes of this phase will pave the way for industrializing the production process with green hydrogen, ensuring the technical excellence and quality that Iris Ceramica Group is known for.
The environmental benefits of the project are significant, with the expected reduction of around 900 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year. The innovative approach not only addresses sustainability challenges but also enhances the competitiveness of the ceramics market, showcasing the potential for positive change in the industry.
Looking ahead, plans are underway to install a final green hydrogen production system with increased capacity, further solidifying the commitment to decarbonization and green energy. The project stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in driving sustainable practices in manufacturing.