SUPPLIER STORIES


ON THE ROAD TO SUSTAINABLE CERAMICS


For several years now, we have been


implementing initiatives, both big and small, to recycle materials, save energy, and reduce our carbon footprint. The purchase of a new kiln in 2020 to increase capacity and productivity was accompanied by the replacement of all the lighting in our workshops with LEDs, as well as the upgrade of our compressors, among other improvements. To push our commitment even further, we made the decision to construct a brand-new manufacturing unit equipped with the latest modern technologies, preparing for the future with high-standard ceramic production in sustainable conditions.


Thanks to our dedicated teams and suppliers, we managed to design, build, and put into operation, within a very short time frame, what we had in mind: a new facility of 7000 sqm that will provide much better conditions for the next 50 years, with the capacity to evolve. From the decision made in December 2020 and an investment of 11.3 million Euros, the opening of M21 in June 2023 marked the beginning of a new era.


One of the crucial issues we wanted to address was the use of water. We made important investments to capture and treat all water used in production, in order to filter and clean it for re-use in the manufacturing process. No water is wasted, and no untreated water leaves the factory. Our consumption is therefore very limited.


Responsible firing is crucial to reduce energy consumption. Firing only once, for a short duration


(just 3-4 hours) at a moderate


temperature, has been mastered by Emile Henry for many years. This approach drastically reduces our gas consumption compared to


28 SUSTAINABLE FUTURE Jean-Baptiste Henry - President, Emile Henry


ceramic standards. Our new 80-meter-long kiln was designed to be even more efficient.


Recycling the various materials used in the manufacturing process allows us to minimise waste and reduce the use of natural resources. We have implemented a system to capture and recycle glaze — one system per group of glaze shades — enabling us to reuse them whenever possible. Similarly, recycling and reusing fired clay is now possible. Our new slip installations can handle the inclusion of ground recycled materials.


NO WATER IS WASTED AND NO UNTREATED WATER LEAVES THE FACTORY. OUR CONSUMPTION IS THEREFORE VERY LIMITED.


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