Gypsum supply: BV Gips calls for raw material security

Photo: A recent report on the overall situation of gypsum resources in Lower Saxony warns of growing supply risks for the construction and gypsum industries. Credit: St-Gobain Rigips

The Bundesverband der Gipsindustrie e.V. (BV Gips) sees growing risks for the future supply of gypsum raw materials in Germany. The association refers to a recently published report on the overall situation of gypsum resources in Lower Saxony, commissioned by the Lower Saxony Ministry of Economic Affairs and the Ministry of the Environment.

According to BV Gips, the report confirms that domestic natural gypsum deposits will remain indispensable for the construction sector and for numerous industrial applications. The background is the continuing decline of flue gas desulphurisation gypsum from coal-fired power plants as a result of Germany’s coal phase-out. Until a few years ago, FGD gypsum accounted for more than half of German gypsum production.

The report also indicates that recycling and alternative building materials will not be able to fully compensate for the expected raw material gap. Lower Saxony plays a key role in this context, as around 25–30% of German natural gypsum production comes from the federal state. At the same time, the contribution of domestic natural gypsum and anhydrite extraction to demand coverage has already declined in recent years.

Photo: Recycled gypsum is an important pillar of national raw material supply alongside domestic extraction. However, recycling and alternative building materials cannot fully close the emerging raw material gap. Credit: Bundesverband der Gipsindustrie e.V./Dr. H.-J. Kersten

BV Gips is therefore calling for reliable framework conditions in state and regional planning as well as faster approval procedures. “Recycling, resource efficiency and domestic natural gypsum must be considered together,” said Holger Ortleb, Managing Director of BV Gips and the Research Association of the Gypsum Industry. “Only this combination can ensure long-term supply security.”

The association also warns that shifting raw material extraction abroad would create new dependencies, increase transport distances and lead to additional CO2 emissions. At the same time, BV Gips emphasises its commitment to recycling-friendly construction methods, resource efficiency and nature conservation.

Photo: The gypsum industry underlines its commitment to climate, nature and resource protection. Modern extraction and renaturation concepts can turn former quarries into valuable habitats for rare animal and plant species. Credit: Kroesing Media Group Dietrich Kühne

About the German Gypsum Industry Association (BVG)

The German Gypsum Industry Association (Bundesverband der Gipsindustrie e.V., BVG) represents Germany’s gypsum mining and gypsum manufacturing industry. The association actively promotes sustainable gypsum-based construction solutions, modern drywall systems and technical innovation in the building sector through industry collaboration, research support and standardization activities.

www.gips.de