PRESS RELEASE | 2023 PRE Congress | Prague, Czech Republic | 21 - 23 June 2023
The 2023 PRE Congress took place in Prague, Czech Republic, on 21 - 23 June 2023, and was kindly hosted by the Czech and Slovak Association of Refractory Manufacturers and sponsored by VESUVIUS ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA, a.s, Possehl Erzkontor GmbH, o.z., KOMATEQ a.s., SK – MINERALS s.r.o., Slovenské magnezitové závody, akciová spoločnosť, Jelšava, TransLog Slovakia, a.s., SCHENKER spol. s r.o. and Minervit s.r.o..
Around 90 PRE members, executives from the refractory industry and national associations from all over Europe, gathered in person to discuss relevant topics and key updates pertaining to the refractory industry at European level.
The Congress opened on Wednesday 21 June with the PRE Executive Committee, held to discuss administrative matters, priorities, and challenges in the upcoming period and mid- and long-term objectives.
Following the meeting, PRE Members had the opportunity to enjoy a delicious dinner during a beautiful boat ride through the Vltava.
To kick-start the second day of the Congress, Thursday 22 June, PRE Members participated in the PRE Economic Committee.
The meeting was followed by the 2023 Annual Conference. Dr. Christian Meyre, PRE President, welcomed the participants and shared his insight on the “European energy market challenges for energy intensive industries, such as refractories”.
After a short coffee-break, Mr. Daniel Urban, Chairman of the Board of Ocelářská unie opened the floor with a keynote speech on “Decarbonising Steelmaking in Europe: challenges and more challenges”. An illustrious panel of invited guest speakers then shared their views on the “Green Deal, Fit for 55 … how to transform the European sustainability ambition into a strength for our industry?” and what they see as the biggest risks and the biggest opportunities for the refractory industry, in the pathways towards achieving the European sustainability ambitions, and how the EU can support the sector in creating a competitive advantage. The audience had the opportunity to share their input by responding to key Polls and engage with the guest speakers, during the dedicated Q&A moment.
Following the Conference, each member took part in one of the 3 workshops organised on the following topics:
· Workshop 1: Energy consumption reduction: what are the solutions?
· Workshop 2: Present and future challenges of global raw material supply in the refractory industry
· Workshop 3: Human resources: How to attract and retain talent in the refractory industry
These workshops allowed an insight into key stakeholders selected for their knowledge on the above topics and to follow up these introductory presentations with in-depth discussions between the participants.
Following the Workshops, PRE Members had the opportunity to enjoy a guided sightseeing tour to the Prague Castle as part of the social programme organised by Czech and Slovak Association of Refractory Manufacturers. The day ended with a delightful gala dinner.
On Friday 23 June, the PRE General Assembly concluded the Congress. Key outcomes of the workshops were presented and discussed. The PRE team shared the key actions they are undertaking on the European lobbying front. The topics included trade, chemical issues, environment, research & innovation, and sustainability & circular economy.
The PRE General Assembly was also the stage for the 2023 PRE Environment Awards.
The gold was given to RHI Magnesita Mitterdorf. Heidrun Scheikl & Anja Moser were present to receive the award for their efforts in increasing the recycling rate of materials and their reuse (nearly 100%) in Refractory production.
Silver was awarded to Vesuvius Skawina. Piotr Sperka & Marek Cyganik received the award for their efforts in reusing water and reducing wastewater by 90%, in the productive process.
Finally, the bronze was awarded to Vesuvius Grossalmerode. Marc Wagner & Lothar Riethmüller welcomed the award for their efforts in significantly reducing the accidental scrap during production & therefore reducing CO2 emissions and gas consumption.
The 2024 PRE Congress will be held in Hamburg, Germany, from 19-21 June 2024, and kindly hosted by the Deutsche Feuerfest-Industrie e. V.“ (DFFI).
The PRE Team is looking forward to welcoming you on that occasion.