Innovations
Four innovative, forward-looking learning pathways
Innovation at the heart of the Groupe CB for a sustainable future
The Groupe CB owes its development and longevity to the innovative approach of all its business lines, which is part of the Groupe CB's purpose.
"Sustainably facilitating the daily lives of women and men through our Teams, our Products and our Solutions" . Beyond words, this is a tangible reality driven by innovations in all our businesses, inspired by our commitment to sustainability and excellence. We are constantly challenging and evolving our practices to meet the challenges of today and tomorrow.
Accelerating decarbonization through innovation
For nearly 130 years, the Groupe CB has been constantly and relentlessly committed to innovation, through all its business lines.
Aware of future challenges and with a view to sustainability, the four divisions of the CB Group— Aggregates, Refractories, Minerals, and Wood —are focusing their efforts on developing products and solutions that offer greater energy efficiency, as well as on improving the processes used in their respective activities.
The Groupe CB's innovations are fundamental to achieving our goal of " sustainable performance " in all areas.
PUREBLOX 1400
Designed by TRB, the Groupe CB's Refractories division, PUREBLOX1400 is the culmination of several years' research and development, providing high-performance thermal insulation for industrial furnaces up to 1400°. This solution, presented at METEC2023 in Germany, meets the needs of the high-temperature industry (iron and steel, metallurgy, cement, foundries, heat treatment, etc.).
TERMINAL 2020
In 2020, the Granulats du Groupe CB division inaugurated its new "T2020" rail terminal. Replacing the old facility dating from 1970, the new terminal promotes rail transport by significantly reducing CO2 emissions. This innovation was awarded a prize for "best environmental practices" by the Union Nationale des Producteurs de Granulats (UNPG).
THE WINEI PROJECT
As part of its Winei project, TRB Réfractaires has invested nearly 12 million euros in the renovation of its Nesles-based production site, including the acquisition of advanced technological equipment. This strategic investment targets several objectives: to be in phase with the industry's environmental and decarbonization challenges, and to enhance the working environment for employees while boosting production.
3D SCANNER
The 3D scanner is used daily by TRB Réfractaires teams. This technology makes it possible to quickly and accurately take measurements for performance monitoring and equipment maintenance directly on customer sites.
DRONES
The use of UAVs in quarries makes it easier and safer to carry out inventory and cubature surveys. Data processing is also faster.
3D PRINTING
CB Grenn and TRB Réfractaires innovate with 3D printing. CB Green contributes to the manufacture of a low-carbon cement used in industrial printers. TRB Réfractaires designs 3D molds for the manufacture of refractory materials.
DECARBONATED
POWDERS
Developed after several years of research, CB Green mineral materials are recognized for their intrinsic properties and low carbon footprint. Derived from Groupe CB manufacturing processes, several industries (glass products, paper, cardboard, etc.), construction (cement, concrete, plaster, paint, etc.), agriculture (soil improvers) and animal feed use our products to meet their technical constraints and environmental challenges. CB Green 's decarbonated powders illustrate the Groupe CB's commitment to the circular economy and the decarbonation of industry.
FONDATION PRIMA
du Groupe CB
The Groupe CB's PRIMA foundation merges art and architecture by inviting students from design and architecture schools to take part in an original competition to create works of art. During the Journées du Patrimoine 2023, the 14 winning works were accessible to the general public for the first time, attracting some 350 visitors. The PRIMA competition offers the next generation of designers and architects the opportunity to reveal and express their talent through remarkable creations. Art and architecture are at the heart of the Groupe CB.
TOGETHER,
DARE TO INNOVATE
Groupe CB's employees are encouraged to put forward innovative ideas in any field (QWL, environment, communication, etc.).
These ideas lead to Re'Créatives days run by in-house employees trained in Co-Design, encouraging collaboration and co-creation within the company. In recent years, many in-house initiatives and innovations have emerged from these days, which are full of surprises and good humor.
