Today the European expanded clay association (EXCA) joins Cerame-Unie as its newest member and tenth sector. This addition further unites the European ceramic industry under the umbrella association Cerame-Unie.
“I am delighted that we can now count EXCA as one of our members,” statedRenaud Batier, Director General of Cerame-Unie. “In a policy environment where numerous voices are competing to be heard, we are strongest when we work together.”
Established in 2007 as an asbl, EXCA represents 12 companies operating some 20 plants in 11 European countries. Through its members, EXCA covers more than 90% of the production in Europe.
Gian Domenico Giovannini, EXCA President said, “EXCA is very happy to join Cerame-Unie as the tenth sector of the European ceramic industry. We believe that there are many synergies between these sectors in terms of the EU policy agenda, in particular energy, climate and sustainability goals. For example, expanded clay contributes greatly to furthering energy efficiency in Europe and to sustainable renovation of buildings. We look forward to bringing our expertise in these areas to the table.”
EXCA and Cerame-Unie share many of the same priorities, particularly with regards to construction, energy, climate, environment and health policies. Both associations are members ofConstruction Products Europe, the Alliance of Energy Intensive Industries (AEII), European Network for Crystalline Silica (NEPSI), Non-Energy Extractive Industries Panel (NEEIP) and the REACH Alliance.
Mr Batier concluded, “I look forward to working closely with EXCA in the years to come. Considering our shared positions and objectives, I am positive that ours will be a fruitful relationship.”
Cerame-Unie represents ten sectors in 30 European countries, including 26 EU member states. The European ceramic industry provides over 200,000 direct jobs and generates a production value of €28 billion.