The circular economy is increasingly central to the policies of the European Union and its member states, including Italy. According to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, a circular economy is “a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated”, thereby optimising the use of resources.

The Italian ceramic industry embodies this model perfectly due to its effective reuse of manufacturing waste. Unfired processing waste is reintegrated directly into the production cycle, while fired waste is crushed and then reintroduced into the body preparation phase. This significantly reduces the need for virgin raw materials and minimises industrial waste, lowering the overall environmental footprint.

One of the outstanding strengths of the Italian ceramic industry’s pre-consumer recycling process is its exceptionally high waste recovery rate, which reaches 99% in tile manufacturing. Scrap tiles, sludge from washing and finishing lines, grinding residues and spent lime are all reintegrated into production, greatly reducing reliance on newly extracted materials such as sand, feldspar and clay.

The numbers speak for themselves: ceramic tile manufacturing reuses 99% of its scrap material, meeting 9.3% of the sector’s total raw material requirements. In Italy alone, from 1998 to 2024 this practice avoided the extraction of over 600,000 tonnes of natural resources annually and the disposal of an equivalent quantity of waste, bringing substantial environmental and economic benefits.

 

Sustainable water management

Water is a vital resource in ceramic production, particularly in grinding, glazing and finishing. Thanks to significant investments, the Italian ceramic industry has achieved exceptional results in terms of water conservation. Around 96% of surveyed factories report zero wastewater discharge from their production processes, greatly reducing the risk of polluting surface water and groundwater.

In 2023, recycled wastewater met 46% of the industry’s total water demand, drastically reducing reliance on aquifers.

 

Why choose Italian ceramics?

Choosing Italian ceramics means investing in products renowned for their exceptional durability, resistance to atmospheric, chemical and physical stresses, and an expected lifespan of over 50 years. Furthermore, due to their inert composition, ceramic products do not release harmful substances into the environment.

The Italian ceramic industry demonstrates that innovation and sustainability can coexist harmoniously. With optimised production processes and efficient waste recovery and resource recycling, Italian ceramics provide practical solutions for those seeking to minimise their environmental impact without compromising on quality or aesthetics. Choosing Italian ceramics is a conscious step toward a more sustainable and responsible future.

This commitment is highlighted by the new “I Choose Responsibly” campaign, which raises consumer awareness about the importance of choosing sustainable materials. A dedicated video on the circular economy explains how Italian ceramics represent a responsible environmental choice, delivering both aesthetic excellence and high performance without harming the planet.

Watch the video.