RHI Magnesita and Horn to create refractories recycling platform

RHI Magnesita and the Horn & Co. Group have announced their agreement to combine their recycling activities in Europe to increase the production, use and offering of secondary raw material for the European refractory industry targeting a substantial reduction of CO₂ emissions. In the future, the newly created joint venture will operate as Horn & Co. RHIM Minerals Recovery GmbH.

This partnership will position the future company at the forefront of the circular economy for customers in the steel, cement, glass and other process industries. As a result, RHI Magnesita’s ambitious plans to globally increase the recycling rate in its products from below three percent in 2020 to more than 10 percent in 2025 can be achieved earlier – marking an important step towards a targeted 15 percent reduction in carbon emissions by 2025.

Increased use of secondary raw materials – substantial CO₂ reduction

Refractory producers such as RHI Magnesita can achieve a saving of 1.8 tons of CO₂ for every ton of recycled material used. At the onset, Horn & Co. RHIM Minerals Recovery GmbH will process more than 150,000 tons of material per year.

“By increasing our focus in this key area, we will make a significant contribution to the global climate protection. We will conserve natural resources while at the same time expanding our business.” explains Stefan Borgas, CEO of RHI Magnesita. “With the combination of the recycling activities, RHI Magnesita and Horn & Co. Group become the driving force of circular economy in the refractory industry. Going forward, refractory users will benefit from increasing circular economy solutions included in our full line service contracts and customers of Horn & Co. RHIM Minerals Recovery GmbH will be able to source sustainable and high-quality raw materials.”