2. European silicate ceramics industry in figures

In the European environment, the ceramics industry is located in 28 countries, with sales of almost 30 billion euros, generating a balance-of-trade surplus of over 5 billion euros. Industries of all sizes employ around 200,000 people. Almost 80% of companies are small and medium-sized, which helps to create local jobs .

The ceramics industry is particularly energy-intensive, especially for firing products, and over 30% of production costs are linked to energy costs. Fossil energy consumption means that around 10% of industries are subject to carbon credits, even though these industries only produce 1% of European carbon emissions. This is because...