Swedish Energy Agency grants OC Paroc support for reduced carbon dioxide emissions and increased waste recycling
The Swedish Energy Agency has granted Owens Corning Paroc AB SEK 121.6 million in support of the implementation of a modernization project that involves reduced carbon dioxide emissions and increased recycling of waste at the company's plant for mineral wool production in Hällekis.
Mineral wool is one of the most common insulation materials in buildings and contributes to efficient energy use and to reducing emissions from heating.
Traditionally, the production of mineral wool is energy-intensive and causes carbon dioxide emissions, mainly due to the use of coke as an energy source when melting the minerals.
In the modernization project, OC Paroc will work to reduce the environmental impact of production through reduced carbon dioxide emissions and the transition to a more circular economy through increased resource efficiency - including increased recycling.
The project aims to commission a new production line equipped with electric melting technology, which will replace one of the coke-fired lines.
An electric melting furnace significantly reduces energy use and reduces carbon dioxide emissions by about 80% per tonne of product manufactured.
Reduced emissions of carbon dioxide and increased recycling are important prerequisites in the transition to a more climate-efficient and circular production of building materials.
Through the project, OC Paroc can contribute to the market being provided with products that reduce the climate impact of the construction sector and contribute to the transition in society.
“Owens Corning Paroc appreciates the support from the Swedish Energy Agency. We are proud to be a part of Hällekis for more than 40 years and extremely happy that this project supports our commitment to sustainable operations and reduced climate impact, ”says Jari Airola, VP & Managing Director of Owens Corning's European rock wool operations. “At Owens Corning, sustainability is at the heart of our goal. When we develop products and systems that address trends in energy efficiency, product safety and sustainability, renewable energy, we work continuously to reduce our own environmental footprint. In recent years, we have implemented extensive measures at our rock wool factories in the Nordic region to reduce the climate impact and embedded carbon dioxide in our products through energy-efficient production and increased recycling. The Hällekis project is another milestone on this road.”
Image: Owens Corning Paroc mineral wool production in Hällekis, Sweden.
