Italian ceramics, a sustainable choice

The sustainability of the Italian ceramic industry is based on four pivotal points: process sustainability, product sustainability, sustainability certifications, and social responsibility.

1) Process sustainability
The production process of Italian ceramic tiles is circular and virtuous:
– 99.5% of production and purification waste is reused in the production cycle
– 24% of raw materials used and products sold is transported by train
– 97% of factories do not discharge process water, reusing it
– 44% of the energy required for production comes from renewable sources or cogeneration

2) Product sustainability
Italian ceramics are made of a material that respects the environment through its many characteristics:
– Hygiene and cleanliness,
– Innovative surface functionality,
– Healthiness of indoor spaces,
– Thin ceramic slabs,
– Resistance and safety,
– Energy efficiency and requalification of the urban environment,
– Durability.

3) Sustainability certifications
Italian ceramics are certified by the main international bodies: EPD (Environmental Product Declaration), ISO 14001, EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme), Ecolabel, LEED (Leader in Energy and Environmental Design), BS OHSAS 18001. In 2021, the first international standard (ISO 17889-1) on product sustainability was also published, indicating, through a scoring mechanism, the sustainability of ceramic tiles.

4) Social Responsibility
The Italian ceramic industry supports the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through the implementation of several projects with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Discover the environmental and social sustainability of Italian ceramic tiles with the video and the brochure.

September 2021