Saint-Gobain Canada has inaugurated North America’s first zero-carbon gypsum wallboard plant in Sainte-Catherine, Quebec, after completing a three-year electrification and upgrade project. The site, also the world’s largest of its kind, reflects the company’s push to pair growth with sustainability.
Announced in 2022, the project involved extensive changes across the facility. Natural gas burners were replaced with electric heating elements, smart energy meters were introduced, and insulation systems were upgraded. These steps cut energy consumption by up to 30 percent while boosting production capacity by 40 percent.
The plant now avoids 44,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, equivalent to the yearly output of 14,000 cars. The added capacity will also help Saint-Gobain supply gypsum wallboard for Canada’s rising housing demand.
Launch of Infinaé Wallboard Range
The project also marked the Canadian debut of Infinaé, a gypsum wallboard line designed with reduced climate impact. Within the range, CarbonLow is estimated to carry 60 percent less embodied carbon from cradle to gate.
“Both productivity and sustainability can walk hand in hand to better the future for all Canadians,” said Jean-Claude Lasserre, CEO of Saint-Gobain Canada. He added that the expansion shows how green investment can deliver business growth while addressing Canada’s housing shortage.
The C$40 million ($28.7 million) project received funding through Quebec’s EcoPerformance program and technical support from Hydro-Québec. Christine Fréchette, Quebec’s minister of economy, innovation and energy, said the plant is “a great example” of industrial decarbonization.
Hydro-Québec worked with Saint-Gobain from the concept stage to completion. “This is an inspiring model for the entire industry,” said Caroline DeVit, the utility’s senior director of business development and performance.
Steps Toward Net Zero by 2050
About 80 percent of the Sainte-Catherine plant’s equipment has been modernized. The upgrades include new heat recovery systems, real-time monitoring sensors, and improved compressed air design. Additional measures will raise recycled content and reduce transport emissions linked to gypsum sourcing.
The effort fits into Saint-Gobain’s global target of reaching net zero carbon by 2050. In Canada, the group is expanding gypsum recycling, piloting waste diversion projects in Quebec, and developing new insulation made with bio-sourced binders.
Mark Rayfield, CEO of Saint-Gobain North America, said the plant strengthens the company’s role as a leader in sustainable drywall manufacturing. “This important investment will further our operations in Canada, where we remain committed to growth,” he said.
Saint-Gobain employs more than 161,000 people across 80 countries and reported sales of €46.6 billion in 2024. As it celebrates its 360th anniversary this year, the company is framing its future strategy around innovation, circularity, and sustainability in construction materials.
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