German bathroom manufacturer Duravit is set to build, reportedly, the world’s first climate-neutral ceramic plant in Matane in Québec, Canada.

The site, which will be the first factory for Duravit in North America, will create 240 new jobs with production scheduled to start in early 2025.

It will manufacture ceramic sanitaryware products, such as WCs and washbasins, using renewable energies exclusively, for the North American market.

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For the firing process, Duravit will use what is claimed to be the world’s first electric roller kiln, powered by electricity from hydropower.

Duravit states the use of this technology will save around 11,000 tons of CO₂ per year compared to a conventional ceramic factory.

In addition to climate-neutral production at the plant, logistics are also designed to be sustainable.

All raw materials will be sourced in Canada and the USA, to reduce transport distances and emissions to create an environmentally friendly supply chain.

To implement this project, the Government of Canada is providing the business with a repayable contribution of $19 million (€13 million) under CED’s Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.

For its part, the Government of Quebec is granting a loan of $11 million (€7.5 million) through the ESSOR program, managed by Investissement Québec as its representative.

Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions Pascale St-Onge commented: “The Government of Canada’s investment in this project will not only bring a world-renowned business to Quebec, but also a business that has distinguished itself by its ability to innovate for over 200 years.

“By focusing on Quebec and its hydroelectricity as a source of clean, renewable energy, Duravit Canada is demonstrating that it is possible for growth and the fight against climate change to go hand in hand.

“By supporting Duravit Canada, our government is helping a business make the jump into the technologies of the future and make winning choices for our planet.”

CEO of Duravit Stephan Tahy said: “We are very proud to act as forerunners in designing a sustainable sanitary industry and to actively face the challenges posed by climate change.

“At Duravit, we are thereby establishing new standards to implement innovative solutions in a sector characterised by high energy consumption.”