The Italian ceramic tile industry is one of the country’s leading sectors with annual sales of more than 450 million square metres of tiles worldwide.

The secret to the industry’s success is to combine outstanding product quality with efficient logistics.

The sales organisation of the Emilia-Romagna region’s ceramic tile cluster plays a crucial role.

A survey conducted in 2007 showed that transport accounts for as much as 24% of a ceramic tile manufacturer’s costs.

But in addition to the economic factor, logistics can also have a negative impact on the environment.

Italian ceramic tile producers have adopted the latest organisational methods and technologies to cut emissions and ensure the highest level of environmental sustainability.

Automated warehouses are designed to minimise vehicle waiting time, thereby reducing harmful emissions.

Improvements in rail transport have led to faster deliveries and a reduction in the pollution caused by road transport.

The replacement of diesel powered forklifts with electric models has reduced diesel fuel consumption and consequently air pollution.