CERAME-UNIE Industry

ROOFTILES & BRICKS

The clay tiles and bricks producers are closely linked to the construction industry. The products' shape and characteristics vary due to climate and local traditions.

In Southern Europe small and medium-sized producers prevail, while an important concentration process is going on in North-Western and Central Europe.

The industry in most cases is highly automated, and has been able in recent years, to strengthen its position compared to competing building materials, due to consumer preferences and increasing renovation activities. The industry is very energy intensive with an energy share of up to 30% of production costs, but new kiln technologies together with an increased use of natural gas have helped to halve energy use over the last decade.

Main brick producing countries are Italy and Germany; France has a very strong roofing tile industry.

International trade is of limited importance. Standard harmonisation at EU level has greatly progressed. The brick harmonised standard has been approved and CE marking will be available from December 2005; CE marking for clay roof tiles is expected by January 2006.

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