The Catalan government and ASCER define a common strategy for a viable environmental transition in the ceramic sector before Brussels

 

The third vice president and Minister of the Environment, Infrastructure, Territory and Recovery, Vicente Martínez Mus, has held a strategic meeting with ASCER to address the impact of the new European regulation CER BREFThe objective is to ensure an orderly transition that protects the competitiveness of a key industry in the Comunitat Valenciana, Especially in Castellón, ahead of the entry into force of more restrictive emission limits in February 2026.

 

Socioeconomic impact and current situation of the ceramic industry

 

During the meeting with the Asociación Española de Fabricantes de Azulejos y Pavimentos Cerámicos (ASCER), Martínez Mus He emphasized that the ceramic sector is not only an industrial engine, but also a "economic and social pillar" fundamental. The strategic importance of this cluster is reflected both in its weight in exports and in its capacity to generate employment, currently supporting more than 70.000 people.

 

However, the industry is going through a period of structural difficulties marked by rising energy costs and falling international demand. Generalitat has detailed the current state of the facilities undergoing Integrated Environmental Authorization, highlighting the closure of plants and the existing regulatory pressure.

 

Indicator	Data from the Ceramic Sector (Valencian Community)
Total employment	More than 70.000 people
Active installations	111 (with Integrated Environmental Authorization)
Inactive facilities	44 facilities
Files in process	93 Environmental Authorization files
Regulatory horizon	February 2026 (CER BREF Approval)

 

The challenge of the new European regulation CER BREF

 

The central focus of the meeting was the review of the document of Best Available Techniques of the ceramic sector, technically known as CER BREFThis new regulatory framework, whose final approval is expected by February 2026It will impose substantially more restrictive emission levels than those currently in place.

 

According to the regional government, adapting to these new parameters will require:

 

• Important technological investments in the production plants.
• Structural changes in gas treatment systems.
• Managing an increase in waste resulting from new wastewater treatment processes.

 

La Generalitat has communicated the sector's concerns to the State, describing the initial emission limits as "unacceptable"Thanks to the support of other Member States, a some flexibility in later drafts of the document, although the councilor warns that the effort will still be high: «From the Comunitat Valenciana we are defending in Europa a realistic and balanced approach.

 

Roadmap for adaptation and legal certainty

 

Once it is approved CER BREFA review mechanism for all environmental authorizations will be activated within a timeframe of four years for its effective implementation. This period will be critical for the survival of many businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises.

 

The strategy of the Third Vice Presidency is based on avoiding imposition and promoting accompaniment. Martínez Mus It opts for a phased implementation model that offers:

 

• Specific adaptation plans.
• Realistic execution schedules.
• Legal security for investments.

 

The regional official concluded by pointing out that "Sustainability is built through dialogue and support for the sector, not through imposition.", prioritizing that the ceramic industry can comply with regulations without sacrificing its international competitiveness.

 

Key points and frequently asked questions about the CER BREF regulations

 

What is the CER BREF and when does it come into effect?
This is the European document that reviews the Best Available Techniques for the ceramic sector. Its final approval is scheduled for February 2026 and will set new, stricter limits on pollutant emissions.

 

How will this affect ceramic companies in the Comunitat Valenciana?
The regulations will require significant technological investments and changes in gas treatment. This will affect the viability of the 111 active facilities, especially SMEs, which will have four years to adapt after approval.

 

What is the position of the Generalitat in light of this regulation?
The Valencian government advocates for a "viable, orderly, and socially just" transition. It rejects the imposition of unreasonable limits and calls for realistic timelines that allow the sector to maintain its competitiveness and the more than 70.000 jobs it generates.