Saint-Gobain Specialty Grains and Powders Announces Launch of Lumeos™ with its new AZ25L Abrasive Grain

In a move set to transform the abrasives industry, Saint-Gobain Ceramics, Specialty Grains & Powders has unveiled Lumeos™, a brand platform dedicated to product alternatives with lower environmental impact. Alongside this launch, the company introduces AZ25L, an innovative abrasive grain that marks the debut of the Lumeos™ line, setting a new standard for sustainability in industrial abrasives.

Illuminating a New Dawn of Sustainability

Lumeos™, derived from "lume" (to illuminate) and "Eos" (the Greek goddess of dawn), embodies Saint-Gobain's commitment to a brighter, more sustainable future.

This new brand platform adheres to a rigorous charter that demands substantial reductions in environmental impact without compromising on performance.

"With Lumeos™, we're not just launching a new product line; we're setting a new benchmark for sustainability in our industry," said Scott Leonard, Commercial Director for Saint-Gobain Specialty Grains & Powders. "AZ25L represents our commitment to innovation that benefits both our customers and the planet."

AZ25L: Pioneering Abrasive Technology with Lower Environmental Impact

AZ25L, the first product under the Lumeos™ brand, represents a significant milestone in lowering the environmental impact of abrasive grains. This 25% Alumina Zirconia abrasive grain employs a newly developed formula and specialized fusion technique, resulting in:

• 37% reduction in embodied carbon on A1-A3 phases compared to the standard AZ25
• Utilization of at least 46% secondary raw materials
• Equivalent lifetime and performance to AZ25
• Suitability for heavy-duty grinding applications

Environmental Excellence Backed by Data

The development of AZ25L demonstrates Saint-Gobain's dedication to environmental stewardship:

• Manufacturing powered by 100% photovoltaic electricity
• Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) reveals a carbon footprint of 3.0 kgCO₂eq per kilogram of product from cradle to gate (A1-A3)
• 62% of the carbon impact comes from raw materials and packaging, highlighting the importance of using secondary raw materials
• Third-party verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD)

Performance Meets Sustainability

To qualify for the Lumeos™ brand, products must undergo a life cycle assessment with a third party verification. In addition to maintaining equivalent or superior performance versus a benchmark, it must substantially contribute to at least one of 3 environmental pillars without causing significant harm to the other 2 pillars:

• Climate Change – reduction in embodied carbon or energy consumption
• Circularity – reduction in non-recovered waste and limited use of virgin raw materials
• Habitat – sustainable use of water and prevention of pollution

There are precise requirements at the product level for each pillar, further defined in the charter.

A Global Initiative

Currently manufactured in Dengfeng, China, Saint-Gobain plans to expand AZ25L production to the USA by 2026, furthering its commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices worldwide. This expansion aligns with Saint-Gobain's global sustainability strategy, which aims to become net-zero carbon by 2050.

Looking Ahead

The launch of Lumeos™ and AZ25L marks a significant milestone in Saint-Gobain Specialty Grains & Powders’s journey towards more sustainable products. As the business continues to innovate, customers can expect more alternatives with reduced environmental impact that align with the Lumeos™ brand charter, illuminating the path to a more sustainable future in the ceramics industry.

Take Action Today

For more information about Lumeos™ and AZ25L, including detailed technical specifications and environmental impact data, visit our product pages, review the EPD, or contact our sales team to discuss how AZ25L can benefit your business.