LCA confirms lower environmental impact from the production of ceramic tiles using zircon

An assessment of the environmental impact of zircon sand has been carried out for the first time by means of a full life cycle analysis (LCA).

The LCA report, drawn up in line with the ISO standard, entitled “Life Cycle Assessment of Zircon Sand Production Applied to Ceramic Tiles”, also demonstrates a lower environmental impact than the main alternative product, alumina, when used as an opacifier in the production of ceramic tiles.

The LCA and the comparison were drawn up by Thinkstep AG in cooperation with the Ceramics Centre of Bologna in a study requested by the Zircon Industry Association (ZIA).