The concern to adopt more sustainable practices, which contribute to a future with a smaller ecological footprint, is currently transversal to several productive sectors that have sought to respond to the challenges placed on the path to this transition. Through innovation and technology, the ceramics and glassware sectors in Portugal have sought to boost the decarbonization of the sectors, recognizing the difficulty of their industries which imply a production process with some “risk factors”, which begin with the exploration of raw materials. and are accentuated by the consumption of fossil fuels.
According to the Portuguese Association of the Ceramic Industry (APICER), possible intervention in these areas “will not occur without a strong call for innovation and close cooperation with knowledge centers”, and justifies the holding of this event due to the “urgent need” for mobilize all sectors “for coordinated action in favor of decarbonization and the transition to a low-carbon economy, guaranteeing the success and future sustainability of Brazilian industries”.
“Events that create networks, critical mass and knowledge sharing are fundamental for aligning priorities and data”, considers Carlos Zorrinho, professor in the management department at the University of Évora. “The most important thing is to have all actors aligned in a plan for 2050, but it has to be flexible and permanently adapted”, he adds, referring to the integration of digital technologies as a fundamental process for greater efficiency in the use of energy.
“New technologies emerge every day and continuous training of teams is necessary to keep up with these advances. Data security is another challenge”, says Teodorico Pais, administrator at Vista Alegre Atlantis
Reinforcing the competitiveness of the ceramics and glassware industries at national level, based on innovation factors, is precisely one of the objectives of the Ecoceramics and Glassware Agenda of Portugal (ECP) as well as investment in all stages of the sector’s value chain. “Of the vast program of investments and developments underway in the ECP Agenda, highlights include improving the energy efficiency of manufacturing processes; the suitability of conventional ovens for the use of green hydrogen in combustion; the electrification and/or hybridization of production processes and the development of new ceramic pastes incorporating waste and sintering at lower temperatures”, explains Teodorico Pais, administrator at Vista Alegre Atlantis.
The executive also cites the energy transition as a sector priority with a view to reducing dependence on natural gas, by improving the energy efficiency of existing processes and electrification and incorporation of biofuels and green hydrogen in combustion processes.
is how much this sector represents in the national GDP, which in terms of employment volume encompasses around 17 thousand people
Pedro Dominguinhos, President of the National PRR Monitoring Commission, also highlights the development of a roadmap for decarbonization in the sector, which will serve as a guide so that companies can adopt the most appropriate strategies and measures to achieve this objective. “Additionally, within the scope of decarbonization and mobilizing agendas, there are several investments related to the installation of new furnaces and energy efficiency measures that will reduce the emission of greenhouse gases in addition to allowing the replacement of natural gas with hydrogen or biomethane” , he reveals, adding that, in addition to decarbonization, the digitalization and automation of processes as well as innovation and internationalization are the three main priorities within the scope of PRR investment.
What is it?
Within the scope of the Ecoceramics and Crystal Making Agenda of Portugal (ECP), APICER (Portuguese Association of the Ceramic Industry) brings together experts, business leaders, political decision-makers and innovators to debate the most urgent and effective solutions for reducing carbon emissions and in what As the activities of Ecocerâmica e Cristalaria de Portugal drive the decarbonization of our sectors, towards a more sustainable future. At the conference, the developments of the ECP Agenda will also be presented, which aims to create solutions that not only reduce the environmental impact, but also increase the competitiveness of industries.
When, where and at what time?
The event will take place on October 24th, Thursday, in the Multipurpose Room of the Vista Alegre Museum, in Ílhavo, starting at 9am.
Who are the speakers?
- Albertina Sequeira, executive vice president of management at APICER
- Bernardo Sousa, Garantia Jovem
- Bruno Veloso, vice-president of the board of directors at ADENE
- Carlos Nogueira, senior researcher at LNEG
- Carlos Zorrinho, professor at the management department at the University of Évora
- Cipriano Lomba, director of technology and innovation management at Efacec
- Duarte Cordeiro, keynote speaker
- Helena Monteiro, r&d project manager, senior researcher at ISQ
- João Bernardo, president of the board of directors of the Biomass Center for Energy (representing DGEG)
- João Rui Ferreira, Secretary of State for Economy
- José Cruz Pratas, president of the board of APICER
- José Manuel Terras, head of energy transition & new technologies at Floene
- José Tribolet, professor emeritus at the Instituto Superior Técnico of the University of Lisbon, INESC
- Luís Mira Amaral, advisory consultant at FNWAY CONSULTING
- Mário Campolargo, former secretary of state for digitalization and administrative modernization
- Nelson Escravana, executive administrator and director of the cybersecurity area at INOV INESC Innovation
- Nelson Ferreira, responsible for coordinating the manufacturing digitalization (Industry 4.0) area for Bosch Thermotechnology factories
- Nuno Gonçalves, director at IAPMEI
- Nuno Vitorio, commercial director at Indutor – Efficiency in Firing
- Paulo Soeiro Ferreira, Visabeira Group
- Pedro Brinca, keynote speaker
- Pedro Dominguinhos, president of the National PRR Monitoring Commission
- Pedro Roseiro. project management officer at INOV INESC
- Sandra Carvalho, head of academy and external communication na CTCV
- Sílvia Machado, executive director of sustainability at CIP
- Teodorico Pais, administrator at Vista Alegre Atlantis
- Victor Francisco, R&D manager at CTCV
Why is this topic central?
Environmental concerns and the search for solutions that contribute to a more sustainable world are a topic that cuts across different economic sectors. The development of coordinated action in favor of decarbonization and the transition to a low-carbon economy is urgent to guarantee the success and future sustainability of Brazilian industries.
How can I watch?
The event is open to all interested parties, but requires prior registration through this link.
This project is supported by sponsors, with all content created, edited and produced by Expresso (see Code of Conduct), without external interference.
