Inspiring results of RHI Magnesita commitment to Open Innovation

Today we would like to share some inspiring results of Open Innovation Collaboration Program between RHI Magnesita and NineSigma, which was launched in the end of 2019.

In 2021 RHI Magnesita ran 5 open innovation projects with NineSigma, resulting into 15 partnerships with external solution providers and innovation partners.

RHI Magnesita is the leading global supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems and solutions which are indispensable for industrial high-temperature processes exceeding 1,200°C in a wide range of industries, including steel, cement, non-ferrous metals and glass.

The refractory industry is, by nature, an energy-intensive business, operating in very challenging conditions. Despite such unique operating conditions, RHI Magnesita is a true Open Innovator, excited to find new solutions and partners to their challenges through the open communities.

A large share of Open Innovation activities of RHI Magnesita, run with NineSigma, are aimed to support ambitious sustainability agenda. The climate strategy of RHI Magnesita spans through value chain and includes such elements, as providing innovative solutions to reduce customer emissions, decreasing the carbon footprint of raw materials, increasing energy efficiency and reducing the carbon intensity of its energy sources.

Examples of Open Innovation projects contributing to the agenda include seeking bio-based carbon materials like graphite or carbon black, with a zero or near-to-zero carbon footprint or visualization and identification of used refractory bricks with the aim to increase the rate of used secondary raw materials in refractory products to lower the carbon footprint and to conserve natural resources.

In March 2021, RHI Magnesita announced a new sustainability program, stepping up efforts to achieve its aspiration to become CO2 neutral. For this matter, the Group introduces a major four-year R&D program designed to expand its leading sustainability position within the refractories industry. RHI Magnesita will invest €50 million towards technology research and pilot plant constructions in the next four years, including new technology for the capture of CO2.

According to Innovation Manager, Juan Rosenzweig: “RHI Magnesita strongly believes that collaboration with external innovators and technology developers is crucial for achieving ambitious sustainable goals in our industry. We will keep on looking for external partners in global innovation communities, with support of NineSigma, and excited to receiving technology proposals from around the world. With RHI Magnesita, solution providers will find a partner committed to innovation and tremendous opportunities for testing breakthrough technologies in extremely challenging environments.”

If you’d like to know more don’t hesitate to get in touch or send us an email at: Contact@ninesigma.com