Our Commitment
The ceramic sector has always been an energy-intensive sector characterized by consumption of natural gas, which consequently leads to a high release of CO2 emissions.
Our current technologies already offer solutions that limit and above all reduce the release of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, but the real goal, to date, is represented by finding the innovative answer that looks to the future, using renewable sources such as hydrogen.
Hydrogen could be used in processes where natural gas is currently used; the challenge is to adapt existing plants to this new fuel.
Indeed, the introduction of hydrogen will imply the development of a new firing technology, given its particular characteristics. Therefore, in the coming years, Gruppo B&T will be engaged in the following activities:
- Continue to invest in the development of new hydrogen burners, with the dimensions and power required by the ceramic sector;
- Study their adaptation to the characteristics of the ceramic process. Products and materials for the construction of kilns;
- Carry out studies on natural gas + H2 combustion mixtures and 100% hydrogen combustion;
- Obtain a correct homogeneous heat distribution using new technologies.
Gruppo B&T aims to be an increasingly greener system integrator, with Smart 4.0 technologies and maximum efficiency: very high productivity and attention to sustainability are our guidelines.
This is why the Group’s product range already includes technologies that allow high percentages of reduction in consumption and energy saving.
Every year Gruppo B&T invests 5% of its turnover in Research & Development, most of the research is carried out in the modern bt-LAB in Formigine.
Technological innovation is a hallmark of the Group, which is constantly aimed at designing products in line with current and future market needs.
bt-LAB
bt-LAB is the technology center of Gruppo B&T, the hub of Research & Development where studies are carried out within the scientific laboratory and 5 pilot lines are in operation.
The work carried out in bt-LAB concerns industrial testing, research and development on raw materials and ceramic mixtures. Furthermore, pilot plants are designed and built to refine and improve Gruppo B&T technology. In this moment, 5 functioning pilot plants are installed:
- Tile
- Big slabs
- Sanitaryware
- Quartz
- Dry lapping
The technology center is one of the stops on the bt-TOUR, a path aimed at customers to discover the companies of the Group, because on this occasion bt-LAB can become a training stop for visitors.
