Quicklime is made by heating crushed and sorted limestone in either a rotary or shaft kiln. Nordkalk QL is widely used in pulp and paper, metals and mining and construction applications.

The limestone (CaCO₃) breaks down into calcium oxide or quicklime, (CaO) and carbon dioxide (CO₂). This reaction, termed calcination, requires temperatures of approximately 1,100 °C. In a rotary kiln the heating process lasts about six hours; in a shaft kiln calcination takes about 24-36 hours.

Nordkalk's QL products are quicklime or calcium oxide (CaO). The handling and storage of quicklime requires great care since it is very reactive. If it comes into contact with water, it reacts violently, giving off heat and converting into slaked lime.