The inaugural conference of the 41st International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings, entitled “The energy transition and international competitiveness of the Italian ceramic industry”, was held in the Europauditorium of Palazzo dei Congressi on Monday 23 September at 11am.
Following welcome remarks by BolognaFiere chairman Gianpiero Calzolari, talks were given by the Italian minister for the environment and energy security Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, chairman of Confindustria Emanuele Orsini, chairman of Confindustria Ceramica Augusto Ciarrocchi, regional councillor for economic development and the green economy, employment, education and international relations Vincenzo Colla, CEO of Simest Regina Corradini D’Arienzo, director of Fondazione Edison Marco Fortis and chairman of the Italian Trade Agency ITA Matteo Zoppas. The conference was moderated by journalist Monica Maggioni.
The Italian ceramic industry’s constant investments over the decades have resulted in factories that today uphold the highest global standards for environmental sustainability and worker well-being, the conference emphasised. This underscores the sector’s strong commitment to sustainability, as well as to the energy and digital transitions. However, in the absence of viable technological alternatives, the current emission trading scheme (ETS) fails to foster genuine decarbonisation. Instead, it imposes a heavy burden on companies, where financial speculation siphons off resources that could be used for investment, even threatening Italian manufacturers’ ability to comply with the EU’s Transition 5.0 goals.
For true sustainable development, representatives said, it is crucial to reduce the environmental impact of businesses while safeguarding profitability and protecting high-quality jobs.
The Italian ceramic industry says its longstanding focus on exports means it competes globally against rivals that often operate with significantly lower costs and in many cases benefit from unfair practices such as dumping, state aid and unacceptable working conditions. Restoring a level playing field between countries and raising consumer awareness about responsible purchasing choices are crucial steps for ensuring that the Italian ceramic industry can continue its trajectory of economic growth and prosperity, speakers concluded.
