PRESS RELEASE: Ceramic sector calls for joined-up thinking on net-zero

CERAMIC manufacturers, eager to play their part in contributing to the net-zero challenge, are calling for a joined-up approach.Government’s response to recommendations from the Committee on Climate Change (CCC) on decarbonisation is an opportunity for a stronger partnership with energy-intensive industries.British Ceramic Confederation Chief Executive, Laura Cohen, said: “Industry accounts for around a quarter of UK emissions, and in energy intensive sectors like ceramic manufacturing there are big changes to be made.“Many technical ceramics and refractories contribute to the energy efficiency of other sectors and are solution providers for low carbon energy generation and electricity distribution.“And our construction products manufacturers are creating extremely durable bricks and tiles with unrivalled longevity and versatility. They have low carbon emissions over their lifetimes and are a leading, sustainable construction product.“But the very specific needs of our industry must be understood. Production processes are based on high temperature and continuous firing.“More Government funding is needed to accelerate the roll out of proven technologies and the development of innovations to secure the future of our sector in the UK, and prevent exporting jobs and importing emissions.”In a recent comprehensive spending review submission to Government, the confederation highlighted ‘achieving net-zero’ as one of its four biggest challenges and called on Government to incentivise the adoption of energy and carbon-efficient technologies.At present, Government has created a £315m Industrial Energy Transformation Fund for all industries to bid for, but this does not go far enough.Dr Cohen added: “Ceramic manufacturers want to play their part, but the £315m, while welcome, is a tiny drop in the ocean. We need specific support such as a sector council, this is an approach adopted by Government for other energy intensive sectors.“We recognise the need to scale up efforts in manufacturing, and we want to work with Government to take urgent action on climate change to transition to a low carbon future.”

Notes to editors

The British Ceramic Confederation is the trade association for the UK ceramic manufacturing industry, representing the common and collective interests of all sectors of the industry. Its member companies cover the full spectrum of ceramic manufacturing, including the supply of materials, and comprise over 90% of the industry’s manufacturing capacity. For further information please contact: Ciara Jagger, Communications Manager, British Ceramic Confederation, Federation House, Station Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST4 2SA.Tel:  01782 572851M: 07535 084055   Email:  ciaraj@ceramfed.co.uk    www.ceramfed.co.uk