The sustainable transition in the field of ceramic body preparation

Two new industrial projects in Europe and in China demonstrate the value of LB Hybrid technology, that meets the needs for sustainability, efficiency and production flexibility in the phase of ceramic tile and slab body preparation. 

Presented for the first time at TECNA 2022, the patented LB Hybrid technology is the result of intensive in-house research and development supported by the Italian Ministry of Economic Development and conducted in collaboration with CNR-ISSMC in Faenza, one of Italy’s leading scientific research centres in the field of ceramic materials. 

We are talking about the processing of ceramic raw materials, aimed at body preparation for the production of ceramic tiles and slabs.

The heart of the system consists of an integrated process that combines high-performance dry grinding with advanced granulation and is designed to optimise every stage of body preparation.

The process begins with raw material crushing in high-efficiency mills equipped with dynamic separators capable of ensuring a constant and controlled particle size distribution. The material is then transformed into microgranules using granulators developed by LB and designed for maximum flexibility and adaptability to different product types, whether traditional tiles or large slabs.

But the real strength of LB Hybrid lies in its versatility and its ability to adapt to different production contexts while maintaining consistent standards of quality, performance and reliability. 

It is not simply a plant but an advanced industrial vision in which each technology is part of an integrated system designed to create value, reduce environmental impact and help companies transition to more responsible production models. In fact, LB Hybrid technology reduces gas consumption by 65%, CO2 emissions by 65% and water consumption by 70% per tonne of material produced compared to traditional body prepara¬tion technologies.

With LB Hybrid, sustainability is concrete, measurable and replicable. It reflects not only an advanced engineering approach but also the solidity, expertise and forward-looking vision that have defined LB Technology for over 50 years, a clear example of how technological innovation can drive change and open up new paths towards a more efficient, competitive and environmentally conscious ceramic industry.

The LB Hybrid plant.

 LB Hyb technology gains momentum in Europe and China

Two new industrial projects, one in Europe and the other in China, demonstrate the strength and strategic value of this technology, capable to meet the ceramic tile industry’s evolving needs for sustainability, efficiency and production flexibility. 

The two plants are scheduled to start up in early 2026 and mark the industrial-scale adoption of a technology that represents a major step forward in ceramic body preparation, delivering clear technical, economic and environmental benefits.

The Chinese site where the new factory which will install LB Hybrid is under construction.

The European project

The European project stands out for its significant impact in terms of process rationalisation and overall efficiency. The adoption of LB Hybrid technology delivers direct manufacturing savings that go far beyond energy costs alone. The entire production cycle benefits from a more efficient approach in which raw material waste is reduced, production times are optimised and operational continuity is improved. 

In an increasingly competitive market, the ability to deliver high performance through lean management offers a concrete and strategic industrial advantage.

The Chinese project

In terms of scale, objectives and overall value, the Chinese project represents a landmark in LB Technology’s history. The scope of supply consists of 24 complete dry grinding lines with microgranulation, an exceptionally high volume that testifies to the trust and international recognition the Italian company has earned. 

This project is part of a broader national ecological transition programme promoted and supported by the Chinese government. In recent years, China has been pursuing a radical shift towards a greener industrial model, prioritising technological solutions that enable more sustainable, circular and regenerative production.

 
The current initiative is an integral part of this strategy, with LB Technology chosen as the preferred partner thanks to the uniqueness of its proposed solution anywhere in the world.

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