Case
Energy efficiency in industry
Green supply chains
Green value chains
ROCKWOOL is the world leader in stone wool products, from building insulation to acoustic ceilings, external cladding systems to horticultural solutions, engineered fibres for industrial use to insulation for process industry and marine & offshore.
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Stone wool is arguably the best material for producing all types of insulation: It does not lose its insulation capability over time, it will not burn and it is endlessly recyclable. But – and it is a significant but – the process of turning it into insulation is energy-intensive.
ROCKWOOL, a leading producer of stone wool insulation, faces significant energy consumption challenges due to the highly energy-intensive process of melting stone at temperatures exceeding 1,500°C. Traditionally, this process relies on fossil fuels, contributing to high CO2 emissions. As part of its broader sustainability strategy, ROCKWOOL set ambitious decarbonisation targets to reduce emissions in line with science-based targets (SBTi), with a particular focus on the energy-intensive melting process at its factories.
To address this, ROCKWOOL began transitioning its production to a self-developed electric melting technology. This strategy has been a key part of the company’s decarbonisation efforts.
In 2024, the company invested €262 million into factory upgrades, including electrification projects, digital investments, and emission-reducing abatement technologies. The most notable achievement was the successful electrification of the melting process at its Flumroc factory in Flums, Switzerland.
This transformation marked a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions, cutting the annual emissions by 75 percent, equivalent to 25,000 tons of CO2. By using renewable electricity instead of fossil fuels, the company significantly reduced its carbon footprint while maintaining the high quality of its products.
The electrification of the Flumroc is a vital step toward achieving ROCKWOOL’s Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction targets, as the project has provided a reference case that can be replicated at other facilities.
However, the transition remains challenging due to limited access to cost-competitive green electricity, which underscores the need for greater investment in green energy infrastructure by governments.
Despite these hurdles, the Flumroc success demonstrates the potential for scaling up electric melting technologies in industrial processes worldwide.
This case is a part of the “Towards a sustainable industry – Solutions for competitive, efficient and resilient production” White Paper. Featuring in-depth cases and insights from key Danish players, the white paper offers a toolbox of ideas, technologies, and frameworks for a green transition.
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