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

 

Baikowski® France 2030 plan winner for its innovative project to decarbonize alumina production working with ECM

Technologies, Saint-Gobain and ICGM

 

Poisy, April 29, 2024 – 8:45am - Baikowski® (ALBKK - ISIN: FR0013384369), a leading producer of specialty 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 decarbonize 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. 

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 center 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 capitalize on these opportunities and help drive the transition to a more sustainable economy.

Benoît Grenot, Baikowski® CEO: “Baikowski®is incredibly proud to have won the France 2030 call for projects. This recognizes 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 capitalize on new opportunities and contribute to a better future for future generations”.

About Baikowski®

Founded in 1904, Baikowski® is a world leader for the production of specialty industrial minerals, including ultra-pure alumina, as well as other oxides such as spinel, luminophores, zirconia and cerium oxide. These products are used in the composition of technical ceramics, precision polishing and additives. The quality of Baikowski® products enables it to address a wide range of high-tech markets, from electronics to automotive, green energy, aerospace, defense, medical and watchmaking.

Baikowski® has been committed to a responsible resource management policy for many years and is actively involved in developing tomorrow's sustainable technologies. Baikowski® is present on three continents (France, USA, and Japan) and has commercial offices and agents in South Korea and China. 

Baikowski® is listed on Euronext Growth Paris (ISIN: FR0013384369 – Ticker: ALBKK).

 

For more information, visit www.baikowski.com.

Contacts

•       Media Relations: Benoît Grenot - Chief Executive Officer - +33 (0)4 50 22 69 02 - finance@baikowski.com  

•       Investor Relations: Jean-Christophe Le Floch - Chief Financial Officer - +33 (0)4 50 22 69 02 -finance@baikowski.com   •             Financial communication: CALYPTUS - Cyril Combe - +33 (0)1 53 65 68 68 - baikowski@calyptus.net