Hydrogen beyond heavy industry – How smaller industries can also benefit from H₂

A look at various industries—from bricks and cement to glass, ceramics, and food—shows that hydrogen is evolving from a promise for the future into a concrete solution. 

Hydrogen as a lever for medium-sized industrial processes 

The brick industry provides an impressive example. Janinhoff GmbH & Co. KG, a long-established family business based in Münster, has been producing bricks and clinker bricks for over 100 years. Janinhoff is the first company in the industry in Germany to completely convert its kilns from natural gas to green hydrogen—while continuing to operate. The company is thus proving that even medium-sized industries can be technological pioneers. 

Brick production requires constant temperatures of over 1,000 degrees Celsius – a classic high-temperature process that has been considered difficult to electrify until now. Hydrogen offers a realistic alternative to fossil fuels without compromising product quality. At the same time, CO₂ emissions can be drastically reduced if the hydrogen used comes from renewable sources. 

The situation is similar in the cement industry. Limak Cement, one of Turkey's largest cement manufacturers, is testing the use of hydrogen in calciners – one of the most emission-intensive steps in cement production. In a pilot project, the company was able to completely replace fossil fuels with a combination of hydrogen and alternative fuels. The results show that stable and safe operation is possible even in highly sensitive process stages. 

These examples make it clear that hydrogen is not only an option for large corporations with billion-dollar budgets, but also for companies that are gradually converting, piloting, and scaling up. 

From glass to ceramics: hydrogen in supposedly niche industries 

The glass industry is also increasingly discovering hydrogen for itself. Glass melting furnaces are traditionally powered by natural gas and must reach temperatures of up to 1,600 degrees Celsius. Several pilot plants – including some in Europe – are now demonstrating that hydrogen flames can reliably deliver these temperatures. At the same time, glass quality is maintained, which was long considered a critical uncertainty factor. This opens the possibility of virtually emission-free production for specialty glass, container glass, and technical glass. 

In addition, hydrogen is also coming into focus in other, less obvious industries: 

• Ceramics and porcelain industry: Firing processes involving high temperatures and long running times are particularly suitable for H₂-based solutions. 
• Food industry: In bakeries, large roasting plants, and dairies, hydrogen could potentially replace natural gas in process heating applications. 
• Paper and pulp industry: Here, hydrogen is being discussed for both process heat and, in the future, chemical processing. 
• Metal processing and foundries: Smaller foundries in particular benefit from hydrogen-compatible burner systems to improve their carbon footprint. 

These industries are united by the fact that they are often medium-sized, produce regionally, and are under significant pressure from rising energy prices and regulatory requirements. Hydrogen can become a strategic competitive advantage here—not least in terms of sustainable supply chains and increasing demands from customers and investors. 

Why hydrogen places new demands on valves and seals 

With hydrogen finding its way into more industrial applications, seemingly inconspicuous components are also coming into focus: fittings, valves, and seals. They are safety-critical key components of every hydrogen plant—regardless of whether it is a large steel mill or a medium-sized brick manufacturer. 

Hydrogen places special demands on materials and designs. Due to its small molecular size, H₂ can diffuse through materials more easily than natural gas. This increases the risk of leaks and material embrittlement, especially in metals (keyword: hydrogen embrittlement). Valves and seals must therefore be specially designed, tested, and certified for use with hydrogen. 

Added to this are high temperatures, changing pressure conditions, and frequent load changes—typical conditions in furnaces, calciners, or melting furnaces. For manufacturers of valves and sealing systems, this opens a growing market that also requires a high level of technical expertise. Solutions must be durable, low-maintenance, and absolutely leak-tight to ensure safety and efficiency. 

Especially in smaller industries, which often convert their plants step by step, the retrofitability of existing systems plays a decisive role. Hydrogen-compatible valves can facilitate the transition and secure investments by being able to operate with both natural gas and hydrogen. 

Hydrogen democratizes industrial transformation 

The examples presented clearly show that hydrogen is not an exclusive technology for a few large industries. It is a universal energy carrier that can be flexibly adapted to a wide range of industrial requirements – from brick kilns to glass melting furnaces. Small and medium-sized industries can benefit from its scalability and gain competitive advantages at an early stage. 

At the same time, the importance of the supply industry is growing. Valves, seals, and safety-related components are becoming crucial enablers of the hydrogen economy. Their quality and reliability will determine how quickly, and safely industrial change can be achieved.