By NKBA Staff
Duravit is marking a significant milestone in sustainable manufacturing with the opening of its new carbon-neutral ceramic production facility in Matane, Quebec. Construction began in July 2023, and on November 27, 2025, the plant officially started operations—setting a new global benchmark for efficiency, innovation, and environmental responsibility in ceramic production.
Located along the Saint Lawrence River, the Matane facility is Duravit’s first manufacturing site in North America and a cornerstone of the company’s long-term Local for Local strategy. By sourcing key materials such as clay, kaolin, and quartz from regional suppliers and producing closer to the market it serves, the plant will significantly reduce transportation-related emissions—up to 1,500 tons of CO₂ annually—while improving speed, reliability, and sustainability across the supply chain.
At the heart of the plant is a groundbreaking achievement: the world’s first fully electric roller kiln, developed by Riedhammer exclusively for Duravit. Powered by Quebec’s renewable hydroelectric grid, the kiln eliminates fossil-fuel combustion traditionally required in ceramic firing. The result is a reduction of 8,500 tons of CO₂ emissions each year, dramatically shrinking the environmental impact of ceramic production while maintaining Duravit’s uncompromising standards of precision and quality.
The Matane plant will focus on sanitary ceramics explicitly engineered for the North American market, reflecting Duravit’s commitment to timeless design, human-centered engineering, and long-lasting products. The first piece to roll off the line—a newly designed toilet for North American applications—will be available to customers later this year.
For Duravit, the new plant is not simply an expansion—it’s a statement of values that have shaped the company since its founding in 1817. With more than 200 years of expertise and partnerships with some of the world’s most renowned designers, the brand continues to evolve through a balance of innovation, craftsmanship, and ecological responsibility.
“Building a carbon-neutral ceramic plant is both a technological breakthrough and a natural step in our sustainability journey,” the company notes. “This facility reflects our commitment to responsible design, long-term durability, and continuous improvement—while supporting our partners and customers in the North American market.”
With the opening of the Matane plant, Duravit strengthens its global presence, deepens its environmental commitments, and reaffirms its mission to “upgrade the everyday” through enduring, design-led bathroom solutions.
Learn more at: https://www.duravit.ca/en/
