ESG Certifications: Complete Guide for the Ceramic Industry [Updated 2025]

Table of Contents

1. What is ESG Certification and why does it matter in the ceramic sector?
2. How to obtain ESG certification: procedure and required skills
3. ESG standards and certification bodies: which ones to choose
4. Concrete benefits of ESG certification for ceramic laboratories and companies
5. Current challenges in ESG certification and future prospects for ceramics
6. Conclusions
7. FAQ

Growing regulatory pressure and market expectations are pushing the ceramic sector to adopt increasingly sustainable practices.

ESG certifications are now key not only to complying with international standards, but also to standing out and gaining credibility in the eyes of customers and investors.

For ceramic manufacturers and laboratory technicians, understanding the value of ESG certifications means improving internal processes, accessing financing, and strengthening their commercial position.

Focusing on environmental, social, and governance issues thus becomes a strategic factor in competing on global markets and responding to new regulatory requirements.

Those who obtain certification demonstrate transparency and a concrete commitment to sustainability, which are fundamental elements for corporate reputation.For more information on experiences and concrete benefits in the sector, we recommend exploring Sicer’s approach to sustainability and certification management, a practical example of how ESG compliance can be transformed into real opportunities.

What is ESG certification and why does it matter in the ceramic sector?

In the ceramic sector, ESG certifications are a tangible sign of a commitment to responsible, sustainable, and transparent business practices. It is not just a matter of certifying environmental, social, and governance quality: this certification embodies a company’s ability to respond to the demands of the modern market, reducing risks and generating value.

In the field of ceramics, where material innovation and production impact are central, the proper integration of ESG standards can be decisive for both competitiveness and access to new markets.

Companies such as Sicer stand out for their concrete and documented commitment through initiatives, reports, and certifications that integrate sustainability into their business model, offering a concrete overview of the real benefits of choosing ESG.

The three pillars: Environmental, Social, and Governance

ESG certifications are based on three fundamental pillars, each with direct implications for a ceramic company:

• Environmental: ceramic production consumes energy, water, and raw materials. ESG-certified companies adopt solutions to reduce emissions, optimize consumption, and dispose of waste correctly. A concrete example? The use of advanced purification plants and recycling systems in production lines. Obtaining a positive assessment on this pillar allows companies to qualify as reliable partners for customers who require materials with low environmental impact.
• Social: social responsibility involves focusing on worker safety, continuous training, and good relations with the community. In the ceramic sector, this means investing in safe work environments, promoting diversity, and offering professional development. This often translates into initiatives that enhance production areas and support local social projects.
• Governance: a ceramic company that aims for transparency and ethical management implements clear rules against corruption, guarantees traceable relationships with suppliers and stakeholders, and ensures regulatory compliance. Tools such as codes of ethics and internal control systems strengthen governance and also improve the company’s reputation.

Sicer, for example, has made its ESG objectives and results public, demonstrating its path of improvement thanks to cutting-edge practices. You can learn more about Sicer’s environmental initiatives and certifications on the page dedicated to SICER’s environmental commitment.

Difference between ESG certification, sustainability reporting, and accounting

Not all sustainability documents have the same meaning or function. It is easy to confuse ESG certification with sustainability reporting or accounting, but there are clear differences to consider:

• ESG certification: this is a certificate issued by a third party that verifies effective compliance with international ESG standards. It is based on audits and objective assessments of business processes and represents a guarantee of reliability for customers and investors.
• Sustainability report: this is a report drawn up directly by the company, illustrating the results and strategies adopted to improve its environmental, social, and governance impact. It offers a transparent, annual account of the company’s actions, but has no independent certification value.
• Sustainability reporting: this is the process of collecting, analyzing, and distributing ESG information to all stakeholders. It includes both the report and other forms of reporting, representing a continuous commitment to information and transparency.

These tools are complementary: certification allows a company to stand out with concrete evidence, the report recounts the journey, and reporting ensures clarity for partners and customers. If you want to see how a company in the ceramic sector structures and communicates its journey, consult Sicer’s first Sustainability Report.

How to obtain ESG certification: procedure and skills required

Obtaining ESG certification in the ceramic sector is not just a matter of compliance, but means building trust and value through every stage of the process. It starts with a detailed snapshot of current performance, moves on to the adoption of technical and organizational solutions, and ends with external verification by third-party bodies. Each stage requires specific skills, dedicated personnel, and solid synergy between the laboratory, production, and management. Let’s take a closer look at the fundamental steps and key skills that are essential in a company.

Initial assessment and gap analysis: explains the criteria and methodologies for analyzing current ESG performance, with operational examples for the ceramic industry.

The starting point for ESG certification is a detailed internal assessment, often referred to as a gap analysis. This involves examining all current company practices, comparing existing processes with the standards required by certification bodies. In the laboratory and throughout the supply chain, it is essential to collect reliable and objective data on

• Energy consumption, use of raw materials, and waste production (environment)
• Workplace safety, staff training, and inclusion (social)
• Control procedures, management transparency, and ethical policies (governance)

In the ceramic sector, for example, this means accurately measuring waste streams, monitoring atmospheric emissions from kilns, documenting the traceability of raw materials, and ensuring certified procedures for waste management. This creates comparison tables between regulatory requirements (such as ECOVADIS, GRI, or ISO 14001) and the actual status of the company.

A detailed checklist allows you to identify where the company already meets the standards and where, on the other hand, action is needed. This information provides a solid basis on which to define improvement objectives. The key figures in this first phase are the quality manager, the laboratory technician, and the sustainability manager.

Implementation of technical and digital solutions: Highlight how technological tools (such as IoT or artificial intelligence) support data collection and monitoring in ceramic companies. Recommend reading case studies on innovative ceramic materials.

Once the diagnosis phase is complete, the next step is to transform the collected data into concrete and continuously monitorable actions. This is where digital skills and the adoption of innovative tools come into play. In the modern ceramic laboratory, the Internet of Things (IoT) allows sensors to be installed on machinery and systems to monitor gas, electricity, and water consumption and waste production in real time. Centralized systems automatically collect measurements and aggregate them into reports that highlight trends and anomalies.

Artificial intelligence is used to analyze large amounts of data, identify correlations that are difficult to see with the naked eye, and predict future scenarios (e.g., the impact of a change in the mixture or thermal cycle on emissions). This approach reduces the risk of manual error, lowers management costs, and facilitates periodic review by external certification bodies.

Implementing these tools requires training and up-to-date skills, especially among laboratory technicians and IT managers. Finally, effective change management requires teamwork and maximum transparency in information flows: everyone needs to know how and why data is collected and used.

Would you like to see concrete examples of the application of innovative solutions in ceramics? Consult Sicer’s 2023 Sustainability Report, which brings together the results and evolutionary steps of a company in the sector in the adoption of digital tools, advanced materials, and ESG best practices.

Preparing solid data collection and digital procedures from the outset is not a minor detail: it is the real strength of those who want to obtain and maintain ESG certifications over time. Here, technology is a lever for transparency and reliability, at the service of more sustainable and competitive processes.

ESG standards and certification bodies: which ones to choose

The choice of ESG standards and certification bodies has a profound impact on the credibility and effectiveness of sustainability strategies in ceramic companies. Understanding the main international references, knowing when to rely on third parties, and choosing the most suitable scheme are essential steps in obtaining certifications that are recognized and truly useful in the sector.

The main international standards: GRI, SASB, and other references

Ceramic companies have several frameworks at their disposal to align themselves with ESG principles. The most widely adopted internationally include:

• GRI (Global Reporting Initiative): Provides detailed guidelines for measuring and communicating environmental, social, and governance performance. It is a globally recognized standard that is also suitable for companies in the ceramic sector that wish to draw up transparent and comparable sustainability reports.
• SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board): Offers sector-specific indicators and metrics tailored to the specific challenges of each sector, including building materials and ceramics. Compared to GRI, SASB focuses on relevance for investors and financial markets.
• ISO 14001 and other ISO standards: For environmental management, these represent a solid foundation, produced according to rigorous technical standards, and required by many international customers.
• SA8000: Focuses on social responsibility, particularly workers’ rights, working conditions, and community relations.

International standards also regulate technical aspects related to material quality. A practical example can be found in the ISO 10545-13 standard, adopted to measure the resistance of ceramics to chemical agents. To learn more about how these technical requirements affect certification, you can read the guide on Ceramic Resistance Explained.

The role of third-party bodies: EcoVadis and independent audits

Relying on independent certification bodies is what makes the difference between a simple self-declaration and a true ESG certification recognized by the market. Among the most influential platforms is EcoVadis, which assesses the sustainability performance of companies through clear indicators, regular audits, and internationally comparable reports. The EcoVadis system is appreciated by international suppliers and partners precisely because it presents a transparent, shared methodology based on objective data.

Audits carried out by third parties are not limited to verifying formal compliance, but also help companies identify strengths and areas for improvement. By completing questionnaires, uploading documentary evidence, and participating in interviews, ceramic companies can obtain a rating that affects both their credibility and their ability to access markets or public tenders. Every year, EcoVadis publishes its report, which is a valuable source for analyzing industry trends and benchmarks. Consulting the “EcoVadis Report 2023” provides an understanding of how the main players are positioned and which best practices are rewarded in the ESG Certification sector.

How to choose the most suitable standard in the ceramic sector

To avoid making mistakes in your choice, follow these criteria:

• Affinity with the sector: favor standards that offer specific references to the ceramic sector.
• International recognition: opt for schemes that are well known to foreign customers and investors.
• Methodological clarity: prefer frameworks that provide practical tools for data collection and ESG reporting.
• Support for growth: consider certification bodies that also accompany SMEs on a path of continuous improvement and not just in the issuance of the certificate.

Ceramic companies often opt for a combination of certification standards and reporting in order to cover the various aspects required by stakeholders, regulations, and customers. Choosing the right framework and certification body is now one of the most strategic investments in the path towards ESG certification.

Concrete benefits of ESG certifications for ceramic laboratories and companies

Integrating ESG certifications into the ceramic sector brings concrete and measurable benefits that go far beyond simple regulatory compliance. These certifications offer a direct lever for improving operational efficiency, reputation, and financial attractiveness, becoming a key tool for the sustainable growth of laboratories and companies. Below, we analyze the most significant benefits that are reflected in day-to-day business management.

Efficiency, savings, and business value

Adopting the principles of ESG certification radically transforms production and management processes. For ceramic laboratories, this means

• Optimization of consumption: Continuous monitoring of energy, raw materials, and water allows waste and inefficiencies to be identified.
• Reduction of operating costs: Systematic collection of ESG data allows for rapid intervention where critical issues arise, resulting in savings on energy and waste materials.
• Constant process improvement: Certified companies invest in innovation, focusing on digital technologies and automation to refine quality and safety controls.

The direct effect is twofold: costs are lowered and the brand becomes more attractive abroad. In an increasingly global market, the presence of ESG certifications in the ceramic sector is perceived as a guarantee of reliability and transparency. This strengthens the positioning towards international buyers, contractors, and architects who are sensitive to sustainability issues.The case of Sicer demonstrates how compliance with ESG standards also fuels the value of the company over time, stimulating more stable financial performance and offering greater resilience in times of crisis. For an overview of the main certifications obtained by Sicer, please visit this page https://www.sicer.it/certificazioni/.

Access to new markets and green financing

ESG certifications also act as a passport to access sustainability-oriented customers and financing. In the ceramic sector, this lever translates into practical advantages such as:

• Faster entry into public tenders and international competitions: Many contracting authorities require ESG credentials as minimum participation requirements.
• Greater appeal to lenders and investors: Banks and investment funds reward those who demonstrate responsible management, facilitating access to credit lines with better terms or financing for green development.
• Attraction of quality customers and partners: The most innovative brands prefer to collaborate with companies that can document certified ESG practices.

This scenario becomes even more concrete within global supply chains, where alignment with sustainability values is often a selection criterion. Ceramic laboratories that obtain certification position themselves as preferred suppliers, anticipating the requirements of new European regulations and gaining the trust of the most demanding markets.

To learn more about how sustainability drives international growth in the ceramic industry, check out the comprehensive guide dedicated to ceramic materials, which analyzes trends and new opportunities related to ESG standards.

In short, for professionals in ceramic laboratories and companies, choosing ESG certification is synonymous with efficiency, reputation, and new business opportunities, which are fundamental to sustainable and competitive development.

Current challenges in ESG certifications and future prospects for ceramics

ESG certifications in the ceramic sector are becoming a de facto requirement for those who want to remain competitive, but achieving and maintaining these standards is not without its obstacles. As more and more companies embrace sustainability, critical issues are emerging that affect both costs and the consistency between different standards and criteria. Let’s analyze these challenges together with the development opportunities that lie ahead for the future of the sector.

Costs and investment in ESG certifications

One of the most discussed aspects concerns the costs associated with ESG certification. For ceramic laboratories and manufacturers, the expense of audits, staff training, data collection, and implementation of new practices can be significant, especially in the short term. Often, indirect costs—such as the time needed to adapt production processes or respond to requests from certification bodies—are underestimated in the initial planning.

However, many companies find that these investments translate into concrete and lasting benefits, such as access to new markets and a strengthened reputation. For example, the experience of companies such as Sicer shows how a constant commitment to ESG compliance brings recognizable results even during periods of turbulence in the sector. Learn more about the impact of ESG certification by analyzing recent trends in the Italian ceramic industry and the renewal of certifications.

Lack of standardization and regulatory complexity

One of the main critical issues with ESG certification is the lack of uniform standards at the international level. There are several assessment bodies and methodologies that use variable indicators, often with different weights assigned to environmental, social, and governance dimensions. This scenario makes it difficult for ceramic companies to navigate, especially for those operating in multiple countries or supplying customers with inconsistent ESG criteria.

The complexity increases when seeking synergies between ESG certification and other regulations, such as ISO or sustainability reporting. In practice, this means that the same company may have to manage multiple types of audits and reporting, with the risk of duplicating efforts and confusing the messages sent to stakeholders.

To stand out and facilitate verification processes, many companies aim to integrate ESG policies directly into their business strategies. If you are interested in understanding how this approach is structured in practice, please consult Sicer’s official page on corporate policies, where sustainability is coordinated according to the most relevant ESG standards.

Evolution of criteria and future prospects

Looking ahead, the ceramic sector can expect greater convergence towards shared standards, both nationally and internationally. The strengthening of European directives and pressure from customers and financiers will push towards standardization of ESG criteria, simplifying the path for those operating in the sector. Digital platforms and emerging technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence and blockchain, will help reduce costs and ensure traceability and transparency throughout the supply chain.

Ceramic companies that adopt these solutions will be ready to respond to future demands, integrating innovation, responsibility, and competitiveness in an increasingly effective manner. A constant commitment to these issues can transform today’s challenges into solid opportunities for growth.

Conclusions

ESG certifications are now a solid benchmark for strengthening trust, competitiveness, and transparency in the ceramic sector. Integrating them means investing in corporate quality, reducing risks, and multiplying opportunities in the most advanced markets.

Keeping up to date with training and innovation, especially in the laboratory, ensures rapid adaptation to new regulatory requirements and the possibility of adding value to every stage of production.

To learn more about how sustainability translates into concrete actions, discover SICER’s choices in relation to the UN goals by consulting the in-depth analysis of the UN 2030 Agenda and the measures adopted by Sicer.

Approaching ESG certifications is not just a formality, but a way to build lasting growth.

Now is the time to assess how a sustainable strategy can transform your business too.