Brick and roof tiles

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 roof tile industry.

The Tiles and Bricks of Europe (TBE aisbl) website provides detailed information on the association and their products.