Baikowski® France 2030 plan winner for its innovative project to decarbonise alumina production working with ECM Technologies, Saint-Gobain and ICGM

29 April 2024

Baikowski® , a leading producer of speciality industrial minerals founded more than 100 years ago, is proud to announce that its ABC (Alumine Bas Carbone) project for low-carbon alumina has been selected as a winner of the France 2030 call for projects, in the DEMIBaC category for the “demonstration and appropriation by manufacturers of low-carbon production solutions.”

The ABC project, led by a consortium of prestigious partners, including Baikowski, ECM Technologies, Saint-Gobain and Institut Charles Gerhardt Montpellier (ICGM), aims to meet the requirements to decarbonise French industry by 2030 by developing a new low-carbon alumina powder manufacturing process for ceramic matrix composite (CMC) applications, such as oxide-oxide composites (O-CMC).

Baikowski, France’s leading manufacturer of high purity alumina, is vital for strategic sectors such as electronics, aerospace and defense. Aware of its environmental responsibilities, the Company is committed to reducing its carbon footprint, positioning the ABC project as a significant step forward with a view to achieving this.

The new high purity alumina manufacturing process developed as part of the ABC project is fully electrified and is expected to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the alumina produced in this way by 50% to 70%. This innovative process is based on the use of a microwave pilot, working with SAIREM, a leader for the industrial application of microwaves and radio frequencies, as well as the development of a new furnace with ECM Technologies, based on the modular and flexible technology of its ICBP Flex furnace.

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This project will make it possible to meet growing demand for alumina with a reduced carbon footprint. The O-CMCs, developed at Saint-Gobain’s research centre in Cavaillon, are specifically of great interest for the energy transition, offering stronger and lighter materials for structures.

Producing O-CMC parts in France with local tools and local production costs will make it possible to meet the needs of various markets (aerospace, energy), while further strengthening the competitiveness of French industry.

Baikowski is convinced that this project will open up new opportunities for the industry by enabling new alumina powders and composite materials to be developed with innovative properties. The Company is committed to continuing to work closely with its partners to capitalise on these opportunities and help drive the transition to a more sustainable economy.

Benoît Grenot, Baikowski’s CEO, said: “Baikowski is incredibly proud to have won the France 2030 call for projects. This recognises the tireless work accomplished by our teams over the years. The support, confidence and trust set out by the public authorities for our vision represent a major step forward for the ABC project, which reflects our deep conviction that innovation and sustainability go hand-in-hand. As a leader in our industry, we are proud to play an active role in the transition to a carbon-free industry. We look forward to building on this progress with our partners to capitalise on new opportunities and contribute to a better future for future generations”.

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