Wienerberger Opens World’s Largest Electric Kiln for Sustainable Brick Production in Austria

Wienerberger Opens World’s Largest Electric Kiln for Sustainable Brick Production in Austria

(IN BRIEF) Wienerberger has opened a modernized brick plant in Uttendorf, Austria, featuring the world’s largest industrial electric kiln, powered by green energy sources like its photovoltaic system. The facility reduces production emissions by 90% and energy consumption by one-third. Part of the “GreenBricks” initiative, the plant tests innovative materials, such as sawdust-based clay mixtures, and serves as Europe’s most sustainable brick production site. With a €30 million investment and a capacity of 270 tons of bricks per day, the plant supports Wienerberger’s ambitious sustainability goals, including reducing production emissions by 25% and increasing recyclable products to 90% by 2026.

(PRESS RELEASE) VIENNA, 2-Dec-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Wienerberger, a global leader in sustainable building solutions, has unveiled its modernized brick production plant in Uttendorf, Austria, featuring the world’s largest industrial electric kiln. The facility, powered by green electricity from sources like its own photovoltaic system, reduces brick production emissions by approximately 90% and cuts energy consumption by one-third. This milestone is a key achievement in the company’s “GreenBricks” initiative, aimed at developing innovative, eco-friendly construction solutions.

The plant serves as a testing ground for groundbreaking technologies and materials, such as using sawdust—a by-product of local wood processing—in clay mixtures to replace less sustainable components like coal. These advancements position the Uttendorf site as Europe’s most sustainable brick production facility, setting an industry benchmark. Technologies and expertise developed here will be applied to Wienerberger’s other sites, reinforcing the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Commitment to Climate Neutrality

Heimo Scheuch, CEO of Wienerberger, emphasized the importance of the initiative:
“We have a responsibility to ensure a livable future for generations to come. Buildings account for a third of global energy consumption and nearly 40% of CO₂ emissions. By modernizing our Uttendorf plant, we are taking a decisive step toward climate neutrality. This achievement inspires us to push further, actively contributing to the European Green Deal through innovative, resource-efficient construction solutions.”

Wienerberger has operated the Uttendorf plant since 1987, using it as a hub for innovation. A €30 million investment in the electric kiln has resulted in a production capacity of 270 tons of bricks per day. Previous innovations at the plant include a high-temperature heat pump used for drying processes, introduced in 2019.

Ambitious Sustainability Goals

The Uttendorf plant is a cornerstone of Wienerberger’s broader sustainability strategy, which focuses on decarbonization, circular economy, and biodiversity. The company aims to reduce production emissions by 25% by 2026, increase recyclable or reusable products to over 90%, and ensure 75% of total sales come from products enabling net-zero buildings.

These initiatives position Wienerberger as a pioneer in sustainable construction, actively contributing to a greener future. The modernized Uttendorf facility stands as a testament to the company’s innovative approach and dedication to shaping the construction industry for the better.

Media Contacts:

Claudia Hajdinyak
Head of Corporate Communications
Wienerberger AG
t +43 664 828 31 83
claudia.hajdinyak@wienerberger.com

SOURCE: Wienerberger AG