From green clay to green image...

• Innovative dry compaction of clay reduces energy needs
• Measure leads to 28 % energy saving per year
• Company profits by saving € 106 000 annually

Argiles du Velais (Arvel) was founded in 1990 and today is the leading French 'green clay' manufacturer. It distributes clay products, extracted from its 32-acre clay deposit in the Auvergne region, to more than 40 countries. The company’s product range is constantly growing.

Arvel's main activity revolves around collecting the raw material and then transforming it into clay for cosmetics, agriculture and industry. This process involved wetting and drying the clay, an energy-intensive process. 

To remain competitive and reduce its carbon footprint, the company decided to innovate its manufacturing process. It set up a new dry compaction plant to reconstitute clay granules and optimise the production. This measure was seen as an effective way to reduce energy costs at an important time in the company's expansion plans.  

Key benefits

The combined measures led to significant energy savings, reduced water consumption, and more efficient production. As a result, Arvel now also enjoys a greener image, which is especially important for a manufacturer of green clay products.