From May 21 to May 23, 2025, the XXI International Conference “Refractory Materials: production, research methods, applications” took place in Wisła Jawornik, organized by the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Ceramics and Building Materials. The conference was attended by around 150 participants, including numerous guests from abroad (from China, the Czech Republic, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, and Turkey). Alongside many representatives from member companies of SPMO, members of the Board participated as well.
In the plenary session SPMO Secretary Jerzy Czechowski presented a paper titled “The refractory materials industry facing current challenges,” and in the discussion panel on “Renewable Energy Sources (RES) energy transformation – how prepared is the ceramics and refractory materials industry for change,” Vice President Marek Cyganik participated. The panel, moderated by Katarzyna Stec (Director of the Center for Refractory Materials ICIMB), also included Józef Siwiec (President of ZM Ropczyce), Adam Aksamit (sales director, member of the Board of PCO Żarów) and Paweł Pichniarczk (director of ICIMB). A lively discussion was held with great interest, during which actions related to cogeneration and photovoltaics were pointed out, and attention was drawn to the limitations concerning the storage of greenhouse gases in underground tanks and the distant perspective of using green hydrogen, along with the necessary research on the impact of this type of fuel on the properties of fired products and the lining of the furnaces.
After the panel discussion, the president of SPMO Tomasz Biliński took the floor and informed those present about ZM Ropczyce taking second place in the competition of the European Federation of Refractory Producers (PRE) for the eco-friendly solutions implemented by the refractory materials plants. The third place was taken by the Vesuvius plant in Skawina. The president congratulated the awarded plants, emphasizing how many actions in the field of renewable energy sources (RES) and reducing energy costs are being undertaken in the plants and that it is worth it.
During the Conference, more than 20 papers were presented, receiving a lot of interest. It was also an opportunity to establish closer connections.