Net Zero Emissions, Not Zero UK Ceramics

Ceramic production is energy-intensive, with the shaping of raw materials and firing at high temperatures (typically above 1,000 °C) to form products and unique durability, mechanical, thermal, electrical, and biochemical properties; vital to their functions/applications.

Energy and climate costs are typically 30 - 50% of production costs so goods are manufactured as efficiently as possible, with dryers and kilns requiring significant capital investment, being recouped over long periods of operation.

There is a clear imperative for tackling climate change as the UK, with ongoing drivers to deliver net zero emissions set by the UK Government. The requirements and costs placed on UK ceramic producers, however, amount to ever-growing obstacles to a level playing field for UK producers. Companies operate in fiercely-competitive global markets versus overseas competition with lower production costs and / or drivers to decarbonise (particularly in countries with less climate aspiration), and without the same substantial financial outlay by UK ceramic producers in emerging decarbonisation technologies.

The cumulative cost differential being shouldered by the UK ceramic sector cannot be passed-on unilaterally to customers without impacting competitiveness, with the sector recognised as being at significant risk of carbon, investment, and job leakage. UK Ceramics should not lose its competitiveness in the face of its requirements to deliver against more stringent emissions targets; particularly where external factors to decarbonisation also hinder potential deliverability.