An estimated 10 to 20% of the EU’s building CO₂ emissions comes from their construction, renovation, deconstruction, demolition and wider supply chain. In response to statistics like these, Owens Corning is transforming its operations across Europe.

As a case in point, in August 2024, the company embarked on a multi-year project to replace two coke-fired cupola furnaces with one electric melting furnace at its Paroc Hällekis insulation plant in Sweden. When completed in 2027, the new furnace has the potential to reduce the plant’s Scope 1 and 2 emissions by an estimated 80% compared to 2023, as well as its Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 20% for stone wool, an insulation material made from volcanic rock.  

The transformation is a team effort. From Owens Corning, the advanced manufacturing project team is leading the refit and working closely with the Hällekis plant team to navigate the disruption of a construction site in the middle of the facility while keeping production on target. From the public sector, the Hällekis insulation plant conversion project receives support from the Industrial Leap (Industriklivet), the Swedish Energy Agency’s programme to support Swedish industry’s transition to fossil free.   

The project’s impact will be far reaching. The electric melting furnace will make Owens Corning more competitive, both on the market and with new talent, reinforcing the Hällekis plant’s reputation as a prominent regional employer and one that values sustainability. Likewise, Hällekis plant employees will benefit from gaining skills in operating a state-of-the-art electric melting furnace and working with a new, more energy-efficient melting process. Owens Corning customers – who have long supported the company’s commitment to reducing CO₂ emissions – will approve of their connection with a company that is actively reducing emissions in the stone wool supply chain. Finally, the local Hällekis community will benefit from a cleaner, healthier environment and the economic boost that comes from having an employer of choice in the vicinity.  

According to Jari Airola, Vice President, Owens Corning Europe and Managing Director, Europe Insulation, the transition from a coke-fired to electric furnace will enhance Owens Corning’s business while satisfying customers’ sustainability expectations: 

‘We have chosen to invest in this shift because it supports our sustainability goals of decarbonisation and improved operational efficiency. This investment also helps Owens Corning Paroc move forward with its production, remain relevant and competitive. The investment strengthens Owens Corning’s’ sustainability commitment in Europe and strengthens our profile in the Nordics by demonstrating our leadership through sustainable practices in the key markets where we operate. Owens Corning is committed to the company’s 2030 sustainability goals, and this project marks a step closer to reaching the goal we have set for ourselves in terms of greenhouse gas emissions.’