For decades, the Italian ceramic tile industry has been investing in production methods and technologies aimed at reducing the environmental impact of its industrial process. Regular monitoring of emissions and air quality in the Sassuolo ceramic tile district shows that these efforts have led to a significant reduction in pollutant levels.

Data collection

The latest values reported in the “Integrated Environmental Report 2023” were based on samples obtained from close to 90% of ceramic tile factories and show that the environmental policies and technological innovations adopted have reduced particulate emissions by 80% compared to the figures from the late 1990s. 

The Italian ceramic tile industry’s average emissions level for particle material is about 92% below the level established by industry BATs (Best Available Techniques) and significantly lower than the threshold required for Ecolabel certification.

Data for individual pollutant values

Measured fluorine emissions stood at 10% of the legal limit of 0.60 g/m2 and at 31% of the ECOLABEL threshold. Lead emissions were reduced to such an extent that they can be considered insignificant in terms of their environmental impact2. Emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) varied, but the value measured for full-cycle ceramic surfaces produced entirely in a single factory showed a significant reduction.

The emission levels of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) measured on finished products are almost negligible, particularly following the adoption of regional regulations in the early 1990s introducing extremely strict limits and the obligation to constantly monitor emission levels.

The industry’s self-regulation policies

For many years, the Italian ceramic tile industry has been committed to further protecting the environment. In 2009, Confindustria Ceramica, the Emilia-Romagna regional government and the municipalities in the ceramic tile district signed a voluntary territorial agreement aimed at reducing emissions in the Modena and Reggio Emilia ceramic tile district. The agreement remained in force until 2014 and was subsequently updated and renewed for the 2020–2024 period. Work on renewing the Agreement has now begun and, in the meantime, its validity has been extended.