A few months after the inauguration of the glass factory in Port Louis, Emmanuel THIEBLIN, CEO of RIOU OCEAN GLASS, reflects on the development of his activities in the Indian Ocean and presents the upcoming challenges for his industrial sector in the region, his teams, and partners.
How has RIOU OCEAN GLASS developed in the Indian Ocean since the inauguration of your factory?
Since the inauguration of our factory on April 18, 2024, we have continued to expand our activities, with our sales teams securing several markets in the region, particularly in Mauritius and Madagascar. Many clients currently trust us to help them tackle glass-related challenges linked to their specific needs and activities. The agility of our teams, the proximity of our facilities, and our innovative capabilities allow us to stand out in these markets.
In addition to the responsible actions undertaken internally with our teams and within our industrial facilities, we are also advancing our development by forging visionary partnerships with local stakeholders in eco-design and sustainable construction. Recently, as part of this effort, we joined discussions focused on prioritizing sustainable and energy-efficient materials during the 2e edition of the “Building Better with Less” conference on July 19, 2024.
At RIOU OCEAN GLASS, incorporating the principles of the circular economy in the glass industry is a fundamental priority. Our aim is to minimize end-of-life products and maximize the efficient use of resources throughout the production process and the glass lifecycle. Our teams are fully committed to reducing and recycling the materials and resources required for the manufacturing of our products.
Beyond being an urgent and essential measure for preserving our environment, it also results in economies of scale that enhance the value of our products. The challenge of ensuring the sustainability of our glass products is one of the key objectives we set when establishing ourselves in Mauritius.
How do you differentiate yourself in the markets against the competition?
RIOU OCEAN GLASS is the only locally established factory that possesses certain advanced technologies and the expertise needed to utilize them. Our technicians are sent to France for training on the most innovative processes and technologies specific to different types of glass.
This is particularly true for our tempering furnace. Our teams can thus focus on the production of laminated and tempered glass to enhance the safety of buildings and individuals. We develop solutions tailored to the challenges of protection, security, and durability in both urban development and specific professional activities.
These types of glass are used in environments with a high risk of shocks or impacts, such as store windows, glass doors, and large glass panels in shopping centers. Similarly, in the face of weather conditions and natural disasters in the Indian Ocean region, security glass provides better resistance to storms, earthquakes, and other natural phenomena, thereby protecting the structural integrity of buildings.
Glass is an exceptional material that our teams cultivate for its functionalities and applications for our clients. On a daily basis, RIOU OCEAN GLASS stands out through the originality of its products and its ability to adapt agilely to market specifics and architectural challenges. This is particularly evident in residential buildings and tertiary projects. In this context, we develop glass products that address solar control and optimize light. For instance, UV-protective glass is used in windows, skylights, shop fronts, conservatories, and other ambitious architectural structures.
Some of our products also support energy management for large glass surfaces by filtering the transmission of energy into the building. Low-emissivity glass is designed to enhance the energy efficiency of buildings by reducing heat transfer and improving insulation. It is generally used on windows and facades.
Finally, our anti-condensation glazing solution ensures better hygiene by completely eliminating humidity. It adds permanent transparency for total visual comfort. It ultimately ensures optimal vision, particularly to address safety concerns related to visibility.
Can you tell us about your commitment to corporate social responsibility and the initiatives that have been implemented?
The Indian Ocean region is well aware of the environmental, social, and economic impacts of climate change on daily life. So, we have the responsibility to build a glass industry that meets the challenges that lie ahead of us. That is why RIOU OCEAN GLASS builds its development strategy on a human-centered and responsible organization for its teams, clients, and the broader regions where the company is present and will eventually expand. Consequently, we leverage our innovation capabilities, integrate digital technologies, and commit to placing people at the heart of our development to best address the challenges of preserving our societies.
In addition to managing the life cycle and sustainability of our products, RIOU OCEAN GLASS is also committed to a continuous improvement approach regarding water and energy savings within its industrial processes.
For example, the Mauritius factory is equipped with a wastewater recycling system. The successful implementation of water recycling in our industrial processes requires meticulous planning, appropriate technologies, and a continuous commitment to managing the impact of our activities.
Water recycling in industrial processes remains a key practice for reducing freshwater consumption, minimizing waste, and conserving natural resources. The wastewater at our industrial site undergoes specific treatment to remove various contaminants. Recycled water can then be reintroduced into industrial processes for various purposes, such as cooling, cleaning, or even in the manufacturing process of new glass products.
We are also expanding our activities locally with a focus on short supply chains. To further enhance our clients’ experience, RIOU OCEAN GLASS has established its own joinery in Mauritius. For the past three months, new team members have joined us to manufacture custom wooden packaging. These bespoke crates help protect glass products during transport to our clients’ sites, while also creating value and jobs in Mauritius.
We aim to establish a hub for glass innovation with our local partners, particularly in the areas of eco-design and end-of-life recycling of glass products. The circular economy within our glass industry creates job opportunities in eco-design and material recovery. These jobs help stimulate the local economy while supporting our sustainability goals for our products.
It is particularly through the creation of value and jobs locally that we can envisage the necessary groundwork to carry a sustainable and virtuous vision in the glass industry.
Feel free to consult with us to explore our range of glass products and connect with our teams to address the sustainable challenges of the Mauritian region together.