Waste to energy has become an important aspect of modern production methods where we strive to convert non-recyclable waste into usable forms of energy such as heat, fuels and electricity. In this issue we look at some of the challenges faced by the refractories sector in the quest for waste to energy (see page 20).

In conjunction with this, we investigate some of the options for the improvement of energy efficiency as this of course goes hand in hand with sustainable manufacturing principles. It is also noticeable that much of the news emanating from the refractories industry, our customers and the companies supplying the sector, centres around the importance of sustainability – it is no longer a ‘nice to have’ and has very much become an imperative ‘must have’ to meet legislative requirements and for a successful and profitable business landscape.

Much of the talk at the two IRE conferences held in 2024, UK and Australia, included debate on this very matter, with joined up thinking providing possible solutions to a range of dilemmas in this area. For those who aren’t already doing so, we urge readers to consider supporting these events in the future, the networking options are vast and, as we all appreciate, collaborative thinking is the solution to our problems. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of those who participated in both conferences, watch the pages of The Refractories Engineers in the coming issues for copies of some of the papers presented.

Remember, this is your publication so please feel free to let us know what you want to see within the pages. In the meantime, let us all look forward to a fruitful 2025 as we work together to innovate and develop the industry to meet ongoing global challenges.

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