Gypsum industry news

Russia: Knauf is seeking to transfer its ‘entire business in Russia’ to its local management, pending the approval of Russian authorities. The Kyiv Independent newspaper has reported that Knauf elected for the transfer in order to protect the jobs of 4000 employees in the country.

Germany/Ukraine: The Würzburg Prosecutor's Office has opened a preliminary investigation into Knauf over its alleged involvement in the on-going reconstruction of Russian-occupied Mariupol. The investigation will seek to establish whether an ‘initial suspicion’ of criminal activity exists. Germany-based media outlet ARD published its allegation of Knauf’s involvement in the reconstruction via the use of its materials earlier in April 2024. The Würzburg Prosecutor's Office added that "There is currently no initial suspicion against Knauf employees."

The producer denied the allegations, adding that it complies with relevant laws and sanctions.

Belgium: Etex says that it ‘considerably’ progressed its Road to Sustainability 2030 plan during 2023. That year, safety intensity increased by 7%, and Etex established a global diversity, equity and inclusion ambassador community of 110 volunteers across 26 countries. In Europe, the company achieved 70% Environmental Product Declaration coverage as a percentage of its turnover, up from 58% in 2022. Etex raised its total use of recycled materials to 7.6%, and achieved a 23% reduction in Scopes 1 and 2 CO₂ compared to 2018 levels, in line with its 2030 target of 35%.

CEO Bernard Delvaux said “In the EU, more than 40% of energy consumed is used in buildings and more than 30% of energy-related greenhouse gasses emissions come from buildings. Next to new building activities, and according to current high energy standards, renovating old building stock should hence be a top priority. With our portfolio of building materials such as glass wool and extruded polystyrene insulation, gypsum wallboard, fibre cement boards and fire protection materials, Etex has the solutions to reach the ambitious targets. But in view of the huge challenge, a holistic and effective plan to boost renovation is needed, to finance and simplify the renovation process, in each of the EU countries.”

Belgium: Christoph Dorn has been elected as the new president of Eurogypsum, the Brussels-based European association representing the gypsum supply and processing industry. Dorn, a member of the Group Management Committee for Knauf Central Europe, takes over from Dr. Jörg Ertle of the Etex Group.

Dorn said "Taking over the presidency of Eurogypsum in 2024 is a great honour, as the gypsum industry has much to offer, sourcing domestic and multi-recyclable materials to decarbonise Europe’s buildings."

UK: The Pallet Loop has concluded a strategic agreement to provide its pallets collection service for British Gypsum’s UK distribution operations. From May 2024, British Gypsum will deliver bagged plaster using The Pallet Loop’s green pallets. It will subsequently begin to transition its gypsum wallboard distribution to The Pallet Loop pallets from July 2024, resulting in 70% coverage of its entire distribution of products. The subsidiary of Saint-Gobain plans to eventually raise this to 100%.

British Gypsum managing director Dean O’Sullivan said “We are delighted to announce our partnership with The Pallet Loop as we aim to radically cut unnecessary waste. Pallets left behind after products have been removed have for a long time created a challenge, with many being unsustainably disposed of at a heavy environmental cost. By joining forces with The Pallet Loop, we aim to significantly reduce this practice.”

The Pallet Loop managing director Paul Lewis said “At Loop, our mission is to transform the way building materials move and we are incredibly excited that British Gypsum, as a market leader, is partnering with us to promote a culture of pallet reuse. Using our service, merchants, distributors, principal contractors and housebuilding companies will be able to book pallet collections, which can take place from as little as 72 hours later. There will also be a payback of up to €4.69 available for every green coloured pallet they put back in the loop.”