Dr. Stefan Puntke, Managing Director and Dr. Hans-Jürgen Klischat, Executive Manager Special Projects, Refratechnik Cement GmbH, Platinum Sponsors for the 5th edition of CarbonZero will share Refractories’ influence on ecology and profitability — how the humble kiln lining became one of cement’s sharpest levers against CO₂.
CO₂-induced climate change is no longer an abstraction for the cement and lime industries — it shows up as heatwaves with fatalities, droughts, water shortages, and localized flooding that disrupt operations and supply chains alike. Against that backdrop, Dr. Hans-Jürgen Klischat and Dr. Stefan Puntke of Refratechnik Cement GmbH make a case that starts not with policy, but with materials science.
Their argument centers on the rotary kiln lining itself. New generations of refractory linings are built with a higher degree of engineered porosity, which lowers thermal conductivity and directly reduces heat losses through the kiln shell. That retained thermal energy doesn’t disappear — it stays inside the process, where it can be redirected toward enhanced alite formation and clinker production, or simply toward burning less primary fuel.
“The physical properties of the lining and the economics of the plant aren’t separate — they’re the same conversation, measured on a total cost of ownership basis.”
That framing is what gives the talk its title. The physics is straightforward: better-engineered porosity means less conductivity, means less wasted heat. The economics follow directly from it — lower fuel consumption, fewer CO₂ emission allowances required, and a hedge against the rising societal and financial cost of climate-related disruption.
Why It Matters On The Balance Sheet
Klischat and Puntke will walk through cost–benefit analyses built for individual rotary kilns, comparing different lining concepts — from partial, targeted upgrades to full energy-saving installations — while explicitly modeling fuel and CO₂ certificate prices into the total cost of ownership. It’s a talk built for anyone who has to justify a lining decision to both an environmental committee and a CFO in the same meeting.
Key points:
↓ Thermal conductivity — Engineered porosity lowers thermal conductivity at the hot face
2 paths for retained heat — Converts to more clinker or less fuel burned
TCO-based — Modeled against live fuel and CO₂ certificate pricing
Get a seat for this interesting conversation and join us on October 28 and 29 at Tangla Hotel in Brussels, Belgium! We have a plant visit to go see the massive Holcim Obourg Plant on October 27 for a limited group that has already almost filled up, just 4 seats remaining – a VIP pass is needed for the visit, otherwise a Standard ticket will cover for the conference sessions on Oct 28 and 29. Book now so you won’t miss out, every edition of CarbonZero has been sold out since 2022! If the card payment is not an option, email us and we’ll keep your 20% discount the newsletter subscribers have.
About the Speakers
Dr. Stefan Puntke, born in Frankfurt, Germany, studied Materials Science in Germany and France. He holds an engineering degree and a PhD in Process Technology. He started his career with Lafarge in Germany and France and joined the VDZ, German Cement Association, as Head of the Cement Chemistry Department.
Being a Plant Manager of a private cement company with one kiln but up to 100% use of secondary fuels provided a lot of challenges as well as a deeper understanding of kiln operation and pyroprocessing.
Since 2009, he has been with Refratechnik in different roles and locations. As Managing Director of Refratechnik Cement, he supports his team in promoting the existing new refractory concepts to various groups of international customers and partners.
Dr. Hans-Jürgen Klischat studied science and technology of nonmetallic materials at TU Clausthal in Germany, his Master Thesis dealt with a refractory subject on dolomite materials. For his PhD thesis he examined a new type of forming technology for ceramic materials and refractories. After his university education Hans-Jürgen Klischat worked for Refratechnik Cement in Göttingen and was responsible for Research and Development, Quality Control and Quality Management.
Due to the growing importance of CO2 reduction, Hans-Jürgen Klischat became product manager for a new refractory development which cuts down not only energy and emissions, but also costs.
Early bird rates end on September 1, make sure you secure your spot ! The key leaders will be there, join them!
The CarbonZero 2026 Awards (awarded on October 28, Tangla Brussels Hotel) Award Categories
At the request of many companies that had their vacation time in August, we have extended the deadline for submission for Industrial Decarbonization Project of the Year is September 10, same as the Leadership Award nominations, so make sure you send yours in now, at Mariana.gheorghe@industrylink.eu.
1. CarbonZero Industrial Decarbonization Project of the Year Deadline: September 10
This category honors a specific, large-scale initiative that has demonstrated measurable impact. Whether it is a landmark carbon capture pilot, a successful transition to 100% alternative fuels, or a revolutionary circular economy partnership, this award recognizes technical ingenuity and operational success.
2. CarbonZero Decarbonization Leadership Award Deadline September 10
Decarbonization requires more than technology; it requires courage. This award is dedicated to an individual or organizational leader who has championed sustainability at a systemic level. We are looking for the influencers who have steered their companies—and the industry—toward a lower-carbon future through policy, investment, and advocacy.
Submit Your Nomination
Are you leading the charge toward a sustainable built environment? Or do you know a partner whose work deserves global recognition?
Nominate the project by writing at contact@industrylink.eu! Register to the event and be the first to see and congratulate the winners!
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Want to know more about decarbonization, sustainable industry trends, and the breakthroughs driving real change? Explore the complete lineup of Industry Link’s 2026 events below:
Cementitious Materials International Technical & Trade Congress – Europe
28–29 October, Brussels, Belgium
A leading EMEA gathering on cementitious materials, market trends, regulatory updates, and regional opportunities.
CarbonZero Alternative Fuels & Raw Materials Global Conference & Exhibition 2026
Including Cementitious Europe – Congress
28–29 October, Brussels, Belgium
Global platform for Net Zero strategies, alternative fuels, raw materials, carbon capture, and emerging technologies.
Speakers include:
- Claudia Albertini, CEO Holcim Belgium
- Mahendra Singhi, Board Member & Strategic Advisor, Dalmia Bharat India, Board Member, GCCA
- Adriana Fernandez, UNIDO
- Nikos Nikolakakos, Environment & Resources Manager, Cement Europe
- Irene Dominguez, Policy Manager, Embodied Carbon & Lead Markets, Bellona Europe
- Maria del Mar Rojas, Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTI)
- Dr Martina Bassan, Corporate Affairs Director, European Metals
- Eadbhard Pernot, Executive Director,Carbon Management Europe
- Kerry Sutton, American Concrete Institute
- Hervé Camerlynck, Managing Director, FEBELCEM
- Jacob Moos, Associate Partner, McKinsey
- Pilar Hidalgo, Innovation Director, Cementos La Cruz
- Anna-Marise Rocha, Commercial Manager, Port of Amsterdam
- Frank Mruk, National Ready Mix Cement Association USA
- Luyue Tan, Senior Research Specialist, Carbon, London Stock Exchange Group
- Grant QUASHA, Chairman and CEO, Eco Material Technologies, A CRH Company, USA
- Dr. Stefan Puntke, Managing Director and Dr. Hans-Jürgen Klischat, Executive for Strategic Projects, Refratechnik
- Hongyan Ma, Professor, Missouri University of Science and Technology, USA
- Marta Diez, Country Manager Spain, Portugal, Italy, CFP Energy
- Dr. Josilene TV Ferrer, Senior Analyst for International Cooperation and Climate Change, Green Planet Institute Brazil
- Andres Ponce, CEO, WTEnergy Advanced Solutions
- Mohammed Fouad, Business Excellence Director, Riyadh Cement Company Saudi Arabia
- Mohammed Zaki, Head of Alternative Fuels & H2 Operations Management, Arabian Cement Company Egypt
- Pilar Hidalgo, Head of Innovation, Cementos Las Cruz, Spain
- Tien Peng, Cofounder, GreenPlum St., Portugal
- Georg Lochner, Strategic company development “New Technologies”, Schwenk Building Materials Group, Germany
- Duncan McLachlan, VP Growth & Enterprise, io Consulting
- Alexander Makhlay, Associate Editor, Argus Media
- Cobi Busst, Principal, Beaumont Bailey
- Firefly
Women in Cement and Construction International Congress 2026 – EMEA
30 October, Brussels, Belgium
A dedicated forum advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the cement and construction sectors.
Sustainability Conference and Exhibition to include Industry 5.0 – Smart Solutions for Cement and Construction Conference and Exhibition 2026 in São Paulo (World Trade Center)- will convene leading voices from across the global construction, engineering, and infrastructure sectors to address the urgent challenges of decarbonization, embodied carbon reduction, and climate resilience. As the sector undergoes a massive digital shift, this event also focuses on the technologies defining the next generation of building: AI-driven operations, advanced manufacturing, robotics, and human-centric industrial transformation.
Speakers include:
Álvaro Lorenz – Global Director of Sustainability, Votorantim Cimentos
Vanessa Castro, Sustainability, Cementos Argos
Luciana Arouca – Head of Sustainability Services Brazil & LATAM, JLLAna Lúcia Grizzi – Senior Independent Consultant; Coordinator of the Sustainability and Innovation Committee, Votorantim Cimentos
Josilene T. V. Ferrer – Senior Analyst of International Cooperation and Climate Change, CETESB – Environmental Company of the State of São Paulo
Carla Leal – CDP Market Director for LATAM | Board Members
Patrícia Iglecias – Associate Professor, Faculty of Law, University of São Paulo
Juan Padial – Managing Partner, Digital Supply Chain, KPMG
Felipe Salgado – Managing Partner of Decarbonization, KPMG
Rejane Afonso – Technical and Commercial Director, Monitore
Edilson Júnior – Manager of Innovation and Industrial Technology, Cimento Nacional
Cementitious Materials International Technical & Trade Congress – MEA
8–9 December, Morocco
The premier MEA event for cementitious materials, innovation, and regional trade opportunities.
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