On November 21, 2024, the University of Aveiro welcomed 85 participants to a workshop aimed at fostering the development of innovative systems for the effective reuse of waste in the cement and ceramic industries. The event highlighted practices in industrial symbiosis and circular economy, bringing together representatives from leading companies in the sector and research centers.

Represented at the event were: Revigrés, Corbário Minerais Industriais, MOTA Soluções Cerâmicas, Grestel, BAGlass, Eurogalva, Palbit, Ferpinta, Costa Verde, RMC Surfaces, Kerion, Secil, Sanindusa, Greslar, Moma Tiles, Cliper Cerâmica, Pavigrés, Felmica Minerais Industriais, Cerisol, Cencal, Matcerâmica, Innovation Up, Ria Stone, Cinca, Arquitex, BMI Group, and ADP-Águas de Portugal, as well as laboratories and technology centers such as C5Lab, CTCV, CESAM, and CICECO. Public institutions like the Portuguese Environment Agency (APA), the Regional Coordination and Development Commission (CCDRC), and associations such as APICER and ATIC also participated.

This workshop was organized within the framework of the ILLIANCE Agenda [C644919832-00000035 | Project nº 46], part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR) and co-funded by the Next Generation EU program of the European Union, with support from CTCV and the Portuguese Materials Society (SPM).

• Case study presentations showcasing best practices;
• Roundtable discussions on barriers and technological solutions;
• Analysis of public policies and environmental regulations impacting the sector.

Industrial symbiosis was emphasized as critical to the future of the ceramic sector, highlighting both challenges and opportunities. The event reinforced the importance of collaboration among industry, academia, technology centers, and government partners.

Stay tuned for upcoming initiatives!