Portmeirion has brought in materials science consultancy Lucideon to work on reducing energy use in its kilns.
The Stoke-on-Trent-based pottery firm has tasked Lucideon, which is headquartered in Stone, with developing a scientific approach to reduce the amount of natural gas burned in its manufacturing kilns.
The six-month programme will measure and analyse the loading of Portmeirion’s premium earthenware products into its biscuit kiln. Operational data will be analysed by data scientists with the aim of optimising the firing process and delivering ‘significant’ cost and sustainability benefits.
Dominic Wadkin-Snaith, Lucideon’s Data Science Business Development Manager, said: “This is an exciting project, which involves the latest measurement tools and data analytics to identify the best approach for Portmeirion to minimise energy consumption in the firing of its products.
“By loading kilns more effectively, we can expect savings of up to four per cent to be achieved, a considerable saving for an energy intensive sector such as ceramics.
“The process starts with the collection of data via sensors placed strategically on site.
“After an evaluation of this information, we will then introduce modifications and fine tune the kiln fill activity to get the best results.
“From there, a digital model is produced, which captures the optimum temperature distribution pattern for Portmeirion’s firing procedures, and provides a blueprint for a greener, less energy-intensive process.”
The kiln fill efficiency project is part of a broader programme of initiatives under Portmeirion’s COMMIT 2040 strategy, which aims to achieve net zero emissions across Scope 1 and 2 by 2040.
