VULKAN INOX sets new standards in the Blast Media Industry with Innovation, Sustainability, and Global Growth
The year 2024 was a year of success, innovation, and significant milestones for VULKAN INOX, the leading manufacturer of stainless steel blast media. The company, headquartered in Hattingen, Germany, not only expanded with the opening of a new branch in Mexico but also celebrated a major achievement by winning the 2024 Innovation Award. Alongside these successes, VULKAN INOX focused heavily on sustainability, consistently optimizing its production processes and implementing environmentally friendly technologies.
Winning the TOP 100 Innovation Award
A standout achievement in 2024 was VULKAN INOX winning the TOP 100 Innovation Award in the "Top Innovator 2024" category. This prestigious award recognizes the company's advancements in stainless steel blast media technology. The TOP 100 seal is awarded exclusively to exceptionally innovative medium-sized enterprises, based on an evaluation across five categories: top management, innovation climate, innovative processes and organization, external orientation/open innovation, and innovation success.
The award was presented in June 2024 by renowned science journalist Ranghar Yogeshwar, who emphasized the importance of recognizing companies like VULKAN INOX that significantly shape and advance their industry through innovation.
„This award is proof of our vision to continually set new benchmarks in blast media production. Marc Hidde, General Manager VULKAN INNOX GmbH
Sustainability Focus – 90% Reduction in CO2 Emissions
Over the past five years, VULKAN INOX has made significant progress in its sustainability strategy, reducing its ecological footprint while optimizing production processes. Efforts have focused on reducing emissions, conserving water, and enhancing energy efficiency.
“We firmly believe that the greatest challenges of our time can only be addressed through innovation. Efficient use of raw materials and energy carriers, as well as the urgent decarbonization of all processes across the entire product lifecycle are key. As a foundry, this presents enormous challenges, but we are proud to have achieved a remarkable 90% reduction in CO2 emissions over the past five years. The TOP 100 Innovator Award is a great acknowledgment and confirms that we are on the right path in our strategies for innovation and sustainability.” Marc Hidde, General Manager VULKAN INOX.
Heat Recovery and Monitoring Systems Reduce Energy Consumption
“By implementing a modern exhaust air system (Image 2) with a capacity of 45,000 m³/h and utilizing 15,000 m³/h of this air for heat recovery, we not only reduced energy consumption but also efficiently heated our production halls. These measures significantly lowered emissions and contributed to climate protection. To further optimize energy consumption, we have introduced advanced monitoring systems, including gas meters and energy measurements for specific systems.” Andre Hahn, Head of Quality Management VULKAN INOX
The company has extensively digitized its processes and adopted intelligent process controls to further reduce gas consumption.
Another significant step was replacing evaporation cooling towers with an innovative adiabatic cooling system (Image 3), which significantly reduced water and energy consumption while eliminating the use of biocides, improving the company’s environmental footprint.
Other milestones in VULKAN INOX's sustainability strategy include substituting high-CO2-equivalent emitters and increasing the use of scrap materials as raw input. Additionally, the company successfully transitioned all packaging materials to recycled plastics, significantly reducing the use of new raw materials.
“With these measures, we are making an important contribution to resource conservation, emission reduction, and improved energy efficiency. Our goal is to continue focusing on sustainable innovations in the coming years to further improve our environmental footprint." Marc Hidde, General Manager VULKAN INOX
Expansion into Mexico
VULKAN INOX continued its international growth strategy by opening a new branch in Mexico, strengthening its presence in North America and beyond. Mexico represents a key market, particularly due to its significant automotive and machinery industries, where VULKAN INOX’s stainless steel blasting media plays an increasingly important role.
“For over 20 years, we have successfully operated in the Mexican market through local partners. The opening of our branch in Mexico is a major milestone, allowing us to be closer to our international customers. This enables us to respond more quickly to their needs and ensure the quality of our products on-site." Christian Hoffmann, Sales Manager VULKAN INOX
The Foundry Industry's Economic Landscape
The year 2024 also brought challenges for the foundry industry. Global uncertainties and fluctuating raw material prices posed difficulties for the sector. However, VULKAN INOX successfully navigated these challenges through its innovation and exceptional customer service.
“The foundry industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, but we see these changes not as threats but as opportunities to differentiate ourselves,” said Marc Hidde. “Our flexibility and commitment to quality have established us as a reliable partner during these times.” Marc Hidde, General Manager VULKAN INOX
Looking Ahead to 2025 – Confidence in the Future
VULKAN INOX looks forward to 2025 with optimism and confidence.
“We have positioned ourselves strongly in recent years and will continue to focus on innovation to provide our customers with the best solutions,” said Hidde. “We are confident that we will further expand our market leadership in the coming years and continue to serve as a reliable partner for all blast media needs. The continuous development of products and technologies will remain a key priority in 2025. We will focus on sustainable solutions and improving our products to meet the evolving demands of the industry.” Marc Hidde, General Manager VULKAN INOX
CONCLUSION
In 2024, VULKAN INOX once again demonstrated its leadership in stainless steel blast media production while shaping the future of the industry through innovation, quality, and customer focus. With a positive outlook for 2025, the company aims to continue setting new standards and acting as a reliable partner in the global blasting media industry.
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