Vital issues affecting the future of ceramics manufacturing around the world will be in the spotlight on Thursday (10 November) at Ceramics 2011 - a major seminar and exhibition at the Britannia Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent.
Ceramics 2011 brings together manufacturers, suppliers and buyers for a day of brainstorming and networking in Stoke-on-Trent – the home of the UK pottery industry.
Environmental issues will take centre stage at a series of seminars led by ceramic industry leaders and guest speakers from retail and the media.
Ceramics 2011 heralds a new sustainable future for ceramics and places the spotlight firmly on conserving energy and cutting carbon emissions and the potential positive impact on job creation.
New research by materials technology consultants Ceram into energy efficient firing technology calculates that the money saved could fund hundreds of new jobs in the industry.
It has been organised by Stoke-on-Trent City Council and supported by North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce, CERAM and the industry trade association, British Ceramic Confederation.
Councillor Mark Meredith, Cabinet member for economic development at Stoke on Trent City Council, said: “Delegates will hear about an industry which is moving forward using technology and embracing the need to preserve the world’s resources.
“The great pottery bosses of the past were at the leading edge of the first industrial revolution and I am proud to say that Ceramics 2011 will showcase how the industry is re-emerging to lead the way into a new era of innovation.”
Visitors to the event at the Britannia Stadium, Stoke, will also be able to view around 50 exhibition stands from companies including the British Ceramics Confederation, Ceram, and companies including Dudson, Wade, Ibstock Brick and Johnson Tiles.
Highlights for Ceramics 2011 include workshops on major issues affecting the industry such as water footprinting, waste reduction and re-use, and profiting from sustainability.
Stuart Adams, Managing Director of Endeka Ceramics, will take part in a presentation on “Future proofing the UK ceramic industry.”
He said: “A huge amount of innovative work is taking place to ensure the UK ceramic industry is fit for the future. Ceramics 2011 will showcase the advances that are being made and will challenge delegates to look ahead as we face up to a world where energy conservation goes hand in hand with business development.”
Delegates will also hear insights from leading UK retailer Marks and Spencer on how they are planning to become the world’s most sustainable major retailer and a talk on sustainable design for the future from John Vidal, Environmental Editor of leading British newspaper, The Guardian.