Evaluating Decarbonization Technologies and Optimizing Pathways in Ceramic Tile Production through Life Cycle Assessment in Latin America

This study evaluates decarbonization technologies and optimizes pathways for the ceramic tile industry in Brazil, Colombia, and Mexico using a comprehensive Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) approach. These countries were chosen for their key roles in the Latin American ceramic tile market and diverse production contexts, providing insights into decarbonization strategies. We constructed a carbon emissions accounting model to analyze energy consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions across production processes, focusing on renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, material consumption reduction, and process optimization. In Brazil, emission intensity is forecast to decrease from 5.07 kg CO₂ eq/m² in 2022 to 4.07 kg CO₂ eq/m² by 2030 through integrating biomass, solar panels, and implementing heat recovery systems. Mexico's focus on solar and wind energy, along with process optimizations, is projected to reduce emissions from 6 kg CO₂ eq/m² in 2022 to 5.45 kg CO₂ eq/m² by 2030. However, Colombia's emissions are forecast to increase from 4.13 kg CO₂ eq/m² in 2022 to 4.46 kg CO₂ eq/m² by 2030 without additional measures. To address this, we propose scaling up renewable energy installations, adopting advanced energy management systems, and integrating more recycled materials. Our findings suggest that with sustained efforts and strategic implementation of advanced technologies, the ceramic tile industry in these countries can significantly reduce their carbon footprint, supporting their commitments under the Paris Agreement to limit global temperature rise by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The proposed strategies mitigate environmental impacts and enhance the overall sustainability and competitiveness of the industry. This study underscores the critical role of policy support and industry innovation in achieving substantial decarbonization in the ceramic tile sector.