Baumit is equipping its production facilities for lime plaster with digital drying technology. The Austrian building materials manufacturer relies on intelligent control systems that monitor humidity and temperature in real time. The goal: to reduce energy consumption while improving the quality of limestone raw materials for plasters and mortars.
Limestone drying is an energy-intensive process in plaster production. Previously, many drying systems operated according to fixed schedules – regardless of the actual moisture content of the material. The new technology continuously measures residual moisture and temperature distribution in the limestone. Sensors transmit the data to a control system that automatically adjusts drying times and energy supply. This prevents over-drying and saves fuel costs.
For processors of spackling plaster and other lime-based products, the modernization means more stable material quality. Fluctuations in raw material moisture often lead to uneven setting behavior or processing problems on the construction site. Precise drying reduces these risks. In addition, CO₂ emissions per ton of dried limestone decrease when less energy is wasted.
The investment strengthens Baumit's competitive position against providers such as Knauf or Sto SE. More efficient production lowers unit costs and creates room for price competition or higher margins. At the same time, regulatory requirements for energy efficiency in the building materials industry are increasing – especially in Austria and Germany. Companies that invest early in digital process optimization are better positioned for upcoming stricter regulations.
Beyond cost reduction, the measure also serves sustainability marketing. Building owners and planners increasingly ask for CO₂-reduced building materials. Manufacturers who report transparently about energy savings gain advantages in the awarding of public projects and private construction projects with ESG criteria. The intelligent drying technology provides measurable data that Baumit can incorporate into product declarations and certifications.
For painting contractors and stucco workers, the daily work routine changes little at first. What remains crucial is the quality of workmanship on the construction site and coordination with other trades. In the long term, however, lower material costs or expanded product lines could open up new opportunities – for example in facade renovation of old buildings, where lime plasters are in demand because of their diffusion openness. The modernization shows that digitalization is becoming a necessity even in traditional building materials sectors in order to achieve cost and sustainability goals.