The Research Association for Refractories (FGF) is setting an important milestone for the refractory industry: effective immediately, it is offering interlaboratory studies (ILS) for refractory products. In doing so, the FGF establishes an objective basis for evaluating testing laboratories and contributes to the comparability and reliability of test data -a crucial step for quality assurance, customer confidence, and competitiveness.

Interlaboratory studies enable laboratories to verify and improve the precision, accuracy, and comparability of their test results. Through the anonymous participation of multiple laboratories in the testing of identical materials, deviations in testing methods can be identified and corrected. This not only strengthens confidence in their own results but also supports:

• Testing laboratories in accreditation and certification,
• Manufacturers and users in quality assurance and product development,
• The entire industry in the further development of international standards (e.g., ISO, DIN).

With this offering, the FGF is closing a critical gap: Until now, there were no open, industry-wide interlaboratory tests for refractory materials, a circumstance that made it difficult to compare test data within the industry.

“With these interlaboratory tests, we are laying the foundation for new levels of quality and confidencein the refractory industry. They enable our partners to assess their testing capabilities against industry benchmarks, identify areas for improvement, and optimize their processes. At the same time, they can demonstrate the reliability of their test results to their customers.”

Dr. Kerstin Hauke, Head of Business Development der FGF

“Regular interlaboratory tests were essential for my area of responsibility for over 15 years and across more than 20 production laboratories. Our in-house product development and quality assurance teams could rely on comparable test results that met industry standards. Soon, customers were brought on board, and they greatly appreciated this collaboration. As head of the “International Standards” task force at the WRA, I also had the opportunity to initiate and implement interlaboratory tests and standardization improvements together with competitors. I am pleased to be able to share this experience with the FGF through this initiative.”

adds DI Gerhard Urbanek, MBA, Retired, with over 37 years of experience in testing technology at RHI Magnesita.

The FGF’s interlaboratory testing process is transparent and structured, and is conducted and evaluated in accordance with ISO standards: “After the participating laboratories have registered, the FGF distributes refractory reference materials. The laboratories conduct the tests independently and submit the data to the FGF. The FGF statistically evaluates the results, prepares confidential reports, and provides participants with feedback as well as -where possible- recommendations for improvement. Thanks to this structured approach, participants receive benchmarking data and, where applicable, recommendations for action to continuously optimize their processes,” explains Dr. Erwan Brochen, Research Associate at the FGF.

The first interlaboratory tests will begin in a pilot phase with non-accredited tests to validate the methods. In the long term, the FGF aims to conduct accredited interlaboratory tests and provide certified reference materials (CRMs). Interested laboratories can register to participate now.

Webinar: How does the refractory industry benefit from interlaboratory studies (ILS)? 

What has been achieved so far, and what does the future hold

To help interested parties get started, ECREF gGmbH is hosting a free webinar on interlaboratory studies on June 23, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. (CET).

Participants will gain insights into the basic principles, case studies, and the new FGF service. Registration is available at How does the refractory industry benefit from interlaboratory studies (ILS)? All registered participants will receive the materials afterward.

Flowchart for Interlaboratory Studies (ILS) on refractory materials conducted by the Forschungsgemeinschaft Feuerfest e.V.: Registration, distribution of reference materials, independent testing, data submission, statistical analysis, confidential report, and feedback. Ideal for testing laboratories, manufacturers, and end users in the refractory industry. Interlaboratory Studies (ILS) for accreditation, benchmarking, and quality assurance.

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Kontakt für Medien:

Dr. Kerstin Hauke
Forschungsgemeinschaft Feuerfest e. V.
Rheinstraße 58 in 56203 Höhr-Grenzhausen
T: +49 2624 9433-179 | E: hauke@fg-feuerfest.de

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