The ceramics market - Italy

1.1 Definition and scope of study

The term ceramics refers to a product made of argillous, inorganic and non-metallic material, which is made rigid through a process of cooking at high temperatures, and which takes its name from the material from which it is made. There are different types of ceramics:

• compact paste ceramics: They have a low porosity, good impermeability and are very resistant. Examples of this are stoneware and porcelain.
• Porous paste ceramics: They have a soft, absorbent paste that is more easily scratched. Examples are terracotta, majolica and terracotta.

Ceramics are used in various industries, such as the building, manufacturing and medical industries. In addition, various products can be made of ceramics, such as sanitary ware, abrasives, bricks and pipes, tiles and ceramics.

The global ceramic market is growing, especially thanks to the numerous innovations from operators in the sector. The United States is a major consumer of ceramics, while the Asia-Pacific region is the fastest growing region, mainly due to the presence of market players in the region.

In Italy, this market is registered with two Ateco codes, based on composition and destination:

• Ateco 23.3: manufacture of terracotta building materials
• Ateco 23.4: manufacture of other porcelain and ceramic products

It is interesting to note that the market for terracotta building materials grew by 10.9% from 2013 to 2018, while the market for porcelain and ceramic products fell by 5.2% in the same period.

The Italian market is very fragmented, with more than 3,140 companies that operate in the sector. In addition, most of these companies are small to medium sized companies specialising in one type of ceramic or product type, offered to a limited portion of consumers.

In recent years, the Italian ceramics market has witnessed the progress of 3D printing technology and the advent of numerous innovations, although lagging behind other European countries and the United States. These innovations could drive market expansion and create new areas of application for ceramics.