Environmentally 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.
Gypsum has proven to be a sustainable building material for centuries, and will continue to play a crucial role in the construction industry both now and in the future. As the availability of FGD gypsum — a by-product of flue gas desulfurisation in coal-fired power stations — is decreasing, the extraction of natural gypsum in a responsible and environmentally friendly manner 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 environmentally friendly extraction of natural gypsum deposits 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
SAINT-GOBAIN RIGIPS GMBH
RIGIPS. You have the solution for everything. #RigipsForEverything
Recognised as a system provider of high-quality drywall solutions by construction professionals, RIGIPS offers a wide range of gypsum and speciality boards, Rigidur gypsum fibreboards, profiles and accessories, as well as high-performance joint fillers and compounds. The tested solutions prove their worth in interior and exterior drywall constructions. Particularly, the system offerings for weather-protected façade constructions make RIGIPS the ideal partner for timber frame construction. With its continually expanding range of healthy-living products and highly effective fire and soundproofing systems, the manufacturer stands for maximum safety and comfort. The comprehensive product and system portfolio is complemented by a wide range of services and personalised expert advice, providing valuable support in 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 has repeatedly been recognised as a "Brand of the Century" and is one of the most significant brands for modern drywall solutions in the German market. The company is part of the international Saint-Gobain Group. In a nutshell: RIGIPS – building better for people and the environment.
ABOUT SAINT-GOBAIN
As a global leader in sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain develops, produces and distributes materials and services for the construction sector and industrial markets. Its integrated solutions for renovating public and private buildings, lightweight construction, and decarbonising the construction sector and industry are developed through continuous innovation. These solutions offer sustainability and performance. The Saint-Gobain Group and all its brands are driven by the shared purpose of "MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER HOME".
- €47.9 billion in revenue in 2023
- More than 160,000 employees in 76 countries
- Committed to achieving global CO2 neutrality by 2050
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