The European Union has honored Wienerberger together with the Austrian Institute of Technology (AIT) with the Net-Zero Industries Award. The distinction recognizes concrete progress in decarbonizing firing processes in brick production – a segment that ranks among the most energy-intensive areas of the building materials industry due to the required firing temperatures of over 1000 degrees Celsius.
The award focuses on technological solutions for process optimization in tunnel kiln operation. This involves reducing energy requirements through improved heat recovery, optimized firing curves, and the use of alternative energy sources. Wienerberger is working together with AIT on the integration of hydrogen and biomass into existing production facilities – a central challenge for the transformation of the ceramic industry.
The award signals the EU's growing political priority for industrial decarbonization. Unlike awards for pure research projects, this recognizes already implemented or immediately applicable solutions. This underscores the pressure on building materials manufacturers to not only formulate climate-neutral goals but also demonstrate operational changes in production.
For the brick industry, the energy transition is particularly complex: the firing process accounts for around 80 percent of energy consumption in clinker and brick production. While the cement industry is already running pilot projects with electrified kilns, the conversion for bricks is technically more demanding. The cooperation between Wienerberger and AIT therefore focuses on hybrid approaches that gradually replace fossil energy sources.
The award is part of a series of strategic initiatives by the group. Recently, Wienerberger strengthened its market position in the roof tile segment through the acquisition of Creaton. The combination of market consolidation and investments in climate-neutral production technology demonstrates the company's dual strategy: scaling while simultaneously achieving technological differentiation.
The Net-Zero Industries Award is likely to provide regulatory tailwind as well. The EU Commission is preparing tightened requirements for energy-intensive industries to take effect from 2030. Companies with demonstrable decarbonization progress could be favored in funding programs and certifications – a competitive advantage that goes beyond the symbolic effect of an award.
