Frechen, May 27, 2026 – Whether for the energy transition, digitalization or industry, the availability of critical raw materials is one of Europe’s greatest challenges, particularly due to dependence on third countries such as China. The Schunk Group is countering this with a major project: With the groundbreaking for a new plant for recycling silicon carbide in Frechen (North Rhine-Westphalia), the foundation-owned company is investing in supply security and sustainability. The construction of the plant is funded by the state of North Rhine-Westphalia and the European Union.
The world’s first plant for recycling silicon carbide is being built in Frechen. The patented process, known as “RECOSiC,” makes it possible to return silicon carbide from production scrap to the industrial cycle. The process was developed jointly with the Fraunhofer Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems (IKTS).
This not only reduces dependence on China, from which a large share of the raw material is currently imported into Europe, but also cuts CO₂ emissions by up to 80 percent. “RECOSiC is not only an investment in European raw material sovereignty, but also in sustainability,” says Peter R. Manolopoulos, CEO of the Schunk Group. The plant is scheduled to begin operations in early 2028.
At the groundbreaking ceremony in Frechen, attended by representatives from politics, business and industry, Hendrik Wüst, Minister-President of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia, praised the project: “The structural transformation of the Rhenish mining region is one of the major challenges of our time and at the same time an opportunity to reposition the region economically, ecologically and technologically. With RECOSiC, a globally unique industrial project for climate-neutral high-tech production and modern circular economy is being created in Frechen. The groundbreaking is therefore a strong signal for innovation and industrial value creation in North Rhine-Westphalia. The success of this project shows what can be achieved when companies, research and policymakers work together. Major future projects emerge where the right conditions are in place: a strong industrial base, excellent research, modern infrastructure and reliable framework conditions. North Rhine-Westphalia is becoming stronger – through targeted economic and structural policy, resilience and joint effort.”
With an investment volume of around €100 million – including €30 million in funding from the European Union and the state of North Rhine-Westphalia – the project is the largest investment in the company’s history, according to Manolopoulos: “This makes a strong contribution to Germany as an industrial location.”
The Group processes silicon carbide in products for the aerospace sector as well as the security and defense industry. The company already has a fully European supply chain for satellite mirrors. For the armed forces, Schunk has been an established partner for many years – including as a manufacturer of ballistic protection, for example body armor plates used in protective vests. “Production volumes of body armor plates have increased fivefold over the past four years,” says Dr. Lars Schnetter, Managing Director of Schunk Ingenieurkeramik. Accordingly, demand for silicon carbide is also increasing.
With the groundbreaking, the Schunk Group is sending a clear signal for the future viability of industry in Germany and Europe. The RECOSiC plant combines technological expertise with economic independence and social responsibility – values that have shaped the company for more than 100 years.
