The main environmental issues in this industry are energy conservation; air
pollution from kilns; water pollution from grinding, molding, glazing and washing; and
toxic chemical hazards from heavy metals in ceramics and in glazes. The industry
ranges from home-based pottery producers to highly advanced materials engineering firms.
Cleaner production solutions for pollution are similiar to those for clay brick
production and for grinding processes. Air pollution prevention and energy
conservation is similar to glass and clay brick making. The main cleaner production
solution for chemical hazards and water pollution is substitution of non-toxic ingredients
in mixes and glazes, in particular the avoidance of lead, cadmium and other heavy metals.
There are few internet resources for this industry compared to some others.
Most of them focus on energy conservation. There do not appear to be any
programs devoted specifically to environmental improvement in the industry.
Researchers seeking cleaner production solutions should study the case studies available
and similar processes (grinding, water conservation, firing, air pollution control) in
related industries such as glass and brick making.
The table below lists solutions to reduce waste and pollution in ceramic and
porcelain manufacturing plants. Company environmental programs should demonstrate that
these options have been considered thoroughly. Direct links to online guides to cleaner
production for this sector follow the table.
