Ceramic industry and raw materials

Opening remarks by Cristina Siligardi, President of Società Ceramica Italiana

Moderated by Paola Giacomini, Editor of Ceramic World Review and Ceramic World Web

In recent years, the international landscape has profoundly altered the balance governing the availability and cost of raw materials for the ceramic industry. Geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, rising energy costs, and increasing global competition for resources have highlighted the vulnerability of a sector that is heavily dependent on strategic raw materials. For the Italian ceramic industry, a global leader in the production of tiles and high-performance materials, supply security has become a crucial challenge in maintaining competitiveness, sustainability, and innovation capacity. It is therefore essential to understand how geopolitical changes affect the availability of critical raw materials, body formulations, energy consumption, and future industrial strategies. Through contributions from industry experts, raw material producers, and representatives of the ceramic sector, the event will provide an overview of the main challenges and emerging opportunities, examining possible solutions ranging from supply source diversification and the use of secondary raw materials to the development of new technological approaches and circular economy models. The final roundtable discussion will allow participants to compare the experiences and strategies of leading companies in the sector, outlining perspectives and future scenarios for the ceramic industry.

The discussion features:

• Cristiano Canotti

Raw Material Geopolitics: What Has Changed?

Although the Italian porcelain stoneware industry continues to hold a leading position worldwide, it remains highly dependent on strategic raw materials such as white/plastic clays and sodium feldspar. Recent geopolitical crises and tensions in international markets have exposed the vulnerability of supply chains, with significant effects on the availability and cost of raw materials. This presentation analyzes the main risk factors and possible mitigation strategies, from diversifying supply sources and using secondary raw materials to innovative solutions based on the circular economy and the valorization of local resources, with the aim of strengthening the sector’s competitiveness and resilience over the long term.

• Stefano Di Primio, Minerali Industriali

The Impact of Geopolitics on the Formulations of Ceramic Bodies for the Italian Industrial Tile Industry

The Italian ceramic industry, particularly the Sassuolo district, has faced significant challenges due to the war in Ukraine, which drastically reduced the availability of white clays, a key raw material for ceramic bodies. Companies have been forced to replace these clays with materials sourced from other regions that possess different properties, requiring changes to production formulations. The situation has been further aggravated by rising energy and transportation costs resulting from both the Ukrainian conflict and tensions in the Middle East, which have affected maritime traffic and fuel prices. To address these challenges, the sector has focused on diversifying supply sources, enhancing the use of local raw materials, optimizing production processes, and embracing circular economy practices. The adaptability and innovation demonstrated by companies will be critical in ensuring competitiveness and sustainability within an increasingly unstable international environment.

• Eugenio Salvaia, IMERYS

Sustainability in raw materials for ceramics, Imerys most recent examples of resources optimization

Leveraging technical expertise and extensive know-how in the management of raw materials, Imerys is set to introduce two specific by-products recovered directly from quarries. These materials have been specially processed for compatibility with tiles and sanitaryware applications. Our presentation will include an overview of each quarry, demonstrating how these innovative applications optimize both quarry management and the efficient use of raw materials. Additionally, we will present findings from performance tests conducted across a variety of applications.

• Giuliano Ferrari, Ceramicolor Federchimica

Challenges in Raw Material Supply

This presentation provides an overview of the raw materials market, highlighting the main issues related to availability and procurement. It examines the delayed response of European policies to global market dynamics, the difficulties in sourcing certain strategic materials, and the impact of financial speculation, which contributes to price volatility regardless of actual market conditions. The conclusions emphasize the need for more effective strategies to ensure stability and security of supply.

Following this, a roundtable discussion will be held with the participation of ceramic manufacturing companies from the Sassuolo district.

Click here for the Italian version: Industria ceramica e materie prime