Ceramics UK Delivering Net Zero Conference Unites Industry on Net Zero Journey

2 Jul

On 17 June 2025, Ceramics UK hosted its Delivering Net Zero Conference at Staffordshire University, bringing together around 115 delegates from across the UK ceramics industry, Government, technology providers other stakeholders. The event provided a vital platform for sharing insights into sustainable practices, cutting-edge research, and the regulatory landscape shaping the sector’s future.

The conference was chaired by renowned analyst, writer, and broadcaster Sepi Golzari-Munro, who introduced the key themes and objectives and facilitated expert presentations and panel discussion focused on accelerating the UK ceramics industry’s transition to net zero.

Highlights from the Day:

UK Ceramics in the 21st Century: Lee Brownsword, Ceramics UK’s Associate Director, provided a comprehensive update on the UK ceramics industry's developments and progress over the past two decades, addressing current challenges and outlining the strategic path forward.
Government Policy Update: Edmund Ward, Deputy Director - Industrial Decarbonisation at the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), spoke about key emerging Government policies and initiatives relevant to the sector.
Communications & Greenwashing: Malin Cunningham from Hattrick shed light on the complexities of greenwashing and the regulatory landscape, emphasising the importance of transparency and credibility of sustainability claims for companies.
Addressing Challenges Through the Foundation Industries Sustainability Consortium: Richard Goodhead, Lucideon’s Chief Marketing Officer, presented on overcoming sustainability challenges within the foundation industries, highlighting real-world applications and innovative solutions.
Hydrogen Firing Research Update: Dr. Andrew McDermott, Ceramics UK’s Deputy Chief Executive, delivered an update on Ceramics UK’s pioneering hydrogen research project, underscoring hydrogen's pivotal role in driving decarbonisation across the sector.
Hydrogen for the UK Ceramic Sector (Discussion Panel): Hosted by Sepi Golzari-Munro, this dynamic panel featuring Clare Jackson (Hydrogen UK - Chief Executive Officer), Chloe Tindale (Air Products - Hydrogen Strategic Marketing Manager), David Manley (Forterra PLC - Head of Sustainability), and Harriet Culver (DESNZ - Hydrogen in Industry Lead) shared perspectives on the roll-out and uptake of hydrogen within the economy and UK ceramic sector.
Glass Industry Perspective: David Dalton, British Glass’s Chief Executive Officer, offered valuable lessons and strategies from the glass industry's journey towards net zero, providing transferable insights for the ceramics sector.
Energy Network Developments: Jonathan Morris, National Energy System Operator’s Insight Lead for Future Energy Scenarios (FES), discussed the future of energy to 2050 and engagement routes for ceramics manufacturers.

Recognising Industry Excellence

The conference also celebrated significant achievements within the industry:

2025 Delivering Decarbonisation Award: presented to Parkinson-Spencer Refractories for their holistic decarbonisation efforts, from low-carbon manufacturing and on-site energy generation to product innovation, delivered through active R&D collaborations with academic and industry partners.
2025 Net Zero Industry Advocate : awarded to Emily Landsborough, Head of ESG at Ibstock PLC, for her passionate, articulate and extensive advocacy on industry decarbonisation.
Contribution to Ceramics Industry: recognising Kevin Preston, Managing Director of Hinton Perry & Davenhill (encompassing Ketley Brick & Dreadnought Tiles), for his significant contributions over an extraordinary 44-year career in the ceramics sector.

Thanks to our Sponsors

The event was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors: Headline Sponsor Scottish Power, alongside The Applied Materials Research, Innovation, & Commercialisation Company (AMRICC),Brick Development Association, Heatcatcher, RHF Fans, and RES.

Ceramics UK’s Associate Director, Lee Brownsword said: “It is crucial that UK ceramics producers can continue to innovate and invest to reduce emissions, which they have done over many decades, but they must also stay competitive versus companies overseas. The Conference brings all issues to the fore - whether that’s Government policy, research activities or sector progress - and highlights key needs/challenges so companies in the sector can continue the low-carbon transition.”