Responsible gypsum extraction to secure raw material supply
On 2 October 2024, the Lower Saxony Minister for the Environment, Energy and Climate Protection visited the Rigips site in Bodenwerder to learn about the company's various activities and experiences.
For centuries, gypsum has been a trusted building material. Its technical properties and broad applicability ensure that it will continue to play an important role in the construction industry in the years ahead. As FGD gypsum, a by-product of flue gas desulfurisation in coal-fired power stations, becomes less available, extracting natural gypsum deposits with measures to minimise environmental impact is becoming increasingly important for securing the supply of raw materials. The subsequent restoration of existing or new extraction sites is equally important, as is making the most nature-conserving use of these sites. RIGIPS has been developing sustainable concepts for the restoration of former quarries for many years.
Exchange at the Rigips site in Bodenwerder: those present included Andreas Bosch and Henning Waßmann (both from SAINT-GOBAIN RIGIPS), Environment Minister Christian Meyer, Helge Limburg MdB, Annika Kruse (also from SAINT-GOBAIN RIGIPS), Alexander Geissels (from Saint-Gobain Germany), Matthias Andress (from Saint-Gobain Formula) and Frank Kruysen (from SAINT-GOBAIN RIGIPS).
High-quality drywall products have been manufactured at the Rigips site in Bodenwerder since 1945. High-performance acoustic boards, gypsum fillers and fibreboards are delivered from here to construction sites across Germany. These building materials are essential for modern construction projects.
Gypsum demand no longer covered
“Without the diverse products of the gypsum industry, the federal government’s target of building 400,000 new apartments per year cannot be achieved,” explained Frank Kruysen, Director of Operations at SAINT-GOBAIN RIGIPS GmbH, at the start of the joint plant tour with Christian Meyer. The shutdown of lignite power plants by 2030 or 2038 will result in a loss of FGD gypsum, which, alongside recycled and natural gypsum, has been a key pillar of the raw material supply. This will leave about one-third of the gypsum demand unmet.
"Recycled gypsum cannot yet close the gap"
Against this backdrop, the Minister for the Environment, Energy and Climate Protection expressed a keen interest in the EASY ECO initiative launched by RIGIPS. This initiative includes a comprehensive recycling service for construction site waste, as well as the return of certain products after deconstruction by the drywall specialist.
RIGIPS introduced its own concept for reprocessing gypsum as a building material in 2017. “Depending on the type of board, today we can already use up to 40 per cent recycled gypsum,” explains Frank Kruysen. However, recycled gypsum will not be able to close the gypsum supply gap in the foreseeable future.
Sustainable land restoration and the promotion of biodiversity
“In light of the loss of FGD gypsum, the extraction of natural gypsum deposits with measures to minimise environmental impact is of fundamental importance to the gypsum industry”, concludes Frank Kruysen. “Natural gypsum is indispensable for securing the supply of raw materials.“ Equally important as the nature-conserving use of existing or new extraction sites is their subsequent restoration. “Together with our sister company Saint-Gobain Formula, we have built up an enormous wealth of knowledge and experience over the past years. Studies show that restoring former quarries creates new and unique biotopes and promotes biodiversity.”
Environment Minister Christian Meyer (right) and MdB Helge Limburg (third from right) learnt about the quality assurance of gypsum raw materials. Photos: SAINT-GOBAIN RIGIPS GmbH
ABOUT SAINT-GOBAIN RIGIPS GMBH
Recognised as a system provider by construction professionals for its high-quality drywall construction solutions, RIGIPS offers a wide range of gypsum and speciality boards, Rigidur gypsum fibreboards, profiles, accessories and high-performance joint fillers and compounds. These certified solutions are ideal for interior and exterior drywall constructions, providing highly effective fire and sound protection for maximum safety and comfort. A wide range of services complements our comprehensive product and system portfolio to support the planning and execution of even the most demanding construction projects. At the same time, RIGIPS is committed to environmental responsibility, focusing on sustainable climate protection and the conservation of natural resources. For instance, gypsum board recycling options increasingly close material cycles, while product packaging made from recycled materials reduces the need for primary raw materials. RIGIPS is part of the international Saint-Gobain Group.
ABOUT SAINT-GOBAIN
As a global leader in lightweight system solutions, Saint-Gobain develops, produces, and distributes materials and services for the residential, non-residential, and infrastructure markets. Its integrated and innovative solutions combine benefits such as take-back programs and recycling schemes designed to recover materials and support resource conservation, while maintaining high levels of performance. The Group is guided by its purpose: "MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME".
46.5 billion euros in sales in 2025
More than 162,000 employees represented in 80 countries
Commitment to reducing CO₂ emissions by 2050, with interim targets
Find out more about Saint-Gobain at www.saint-gobain.de and follow us on
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