Net Zero

The UK was the first major economy to commit to ‘net zero’ carbon emissions by 2050 (where the amount released to atmosphere is balanced by that removed from it). This means profound changes to all of our lives and society.

In its transition, the UK ceramics industry needs to be able to remain in business while competing against overseas manufacturers, wherever they are in their decarbonisation journey. We need a genuine partnership with government to ensure that the ‘Industrial Decarbonisation Strategy’ works for ceramics and we have technically and economically viable routes to net zero.

This won’t happen overnight. Many years of development, planning and investment are needed. But we are committed to this major radical transformation. Each part of the ceramic sector, and even every manufacturing site, will need their own decarbonisation solutions. A range of decarbonisation technologies therefore need to be developed and deployed at pace.

BCC is supporting members and the sector’s ongoing transition to net zero in a number of ways:

• British Ceramics: Towards Net Zero

A new member initiative, introduced in 2021, to support roll-out of ‘existing’ best practice, through sector collaboration, stakeholder engagement and communications.

• Low Carbon Working Group

A Technical Working Group that is exploring the feasibility of future low-carbon technologies for the ceramic sector.

• Delivering Net Zero for British Ceramics

A new industry conference being introduced in 2022 to promote and celebrate industry best practice, research and collaboration. More details and register here.

• Virtual Ceramics Sustainability Hub

Our case for more funding to support ongoing future decarbonisation technology development and uptake in the ceramic sector.

For funding support information, please see our Innovation and Funding webpage.