Calderys at PRE Congress 2026: shaping the future of refractory innovation
Against this backdrop, the PRE Congress 2026, taking place June 10–12 in Helsinki, Finland, will bring together key stakeholders to address the challenges reshaping the sector. As a sponsor of this major industry event, Calderys will actively contribute to the dialogue, reinforcing its commitment to supporting customers through the energy transition.
Industries evolving in extreme conditions are at a turning point
The global push toward green steel production is fundamentally altering refractory demand. The rapid expansion of Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) capacity, driven by lower carbon emissions compared to traditional blast furnace routes, is increasing the need for high-performance monolithic refractories capable of withstanding more aggressive and variable operating conditions. At the same time, emerging technologies such as hydrogen-based Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) are introducing new thermal and chemical constraints, requiring tailored refractory solutions.
In Europe, regulatory mechanisms are accelerating this transformation. Producers are under pressure not only to reduce emissions but also to maintain operational efficiency and cost competitiveness. This dual challenge is pushing refractory performance expectations higher, for longer campaign life, improved energy efficiency, and reduced maintenance downtime.
As a result, the industry is shifting from a product-centric approach to a solution-driven model, where material science, application expertise, and digital support converge. Refractory suppliers must demonstrate a deep understanding of process evolution and anticipate the operational realities of next-generation plants. This is the environment in which Calderys operates.
Calderys’ response to these challenges
To address these structural changes, Calderys continues to invest in innovation capabilities that align closely with customer needs. The Calderys Innovation Center in Neuwied, Germany plays a central role in this strategy, enabling advanced research and development in monolithic refractories, testing under real-world conditions, and faster deployment of new solutions.
Building on its contributions to global industry forums such as UNITECR, Calderys is advancing key innovation programs focused on durability, installation efficiency, and environmental performance. Examples such as HEATERNAL technology, designed to enhance thermal stability and extend refractory lifetime in high-demand applications, or innovative refractories like CALDE® FD that improve installation productivity and consistency on-site show how critical it is to continuously innovate in refractories.
“Our industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by decarbonization and new process technologies,” says Bruno Touzo, Global VP for Innovation & Technology at Calderys. “At Calderys, our role is to translate these changes into practical, high-performance refractory solutions that help our customers operate reliably while meeting their sustainability targets.”
What Calderys will bring to PRE congress
At PRE Congress 2026, Calderys’ experts will engage with industry peers on the key topics shaping the future of refractories. Discussions will focus on the implications of hydrogen-based steelmaking, the evolution of EAF operations, and the role of material innovation in reducing total cost of ownership.
The Group will also contribute insights into installation technologies and service models that enhance operational efficiency, reflecting a broader shift toward integrated solutions. By combining material expertise with field application knowledge, Calderys aims to support customers in navigating increasingly complex process environments.
Beyond technical exchanges, the event provides an opportunity to strengthen collaboration across the value chain. As new production routes emerge, close alignment between refractory suppliers, steelmakers, and equipment providers will be essential to ensure performance and reliability at scale.