Who chose EPDItaly tells its story: Ceramica Cielo
Dimitri Mei, CEO Ceramica Cielo S.p.a.
Ceramica Cielo was created with the intention of enhancing the raw material and creating through it innovative and original bathroom furniture collections. Ceramica Cielo is 100% controlled by IBD – Italian Bathroom Design, a leader in the design and production of high-quality Made in Italy ceramics, whose majority is owned by the Mittel Group. The Lazio-based company has decided to rely on EPDItaly to obtain EPD certification on its entire production.
In this regard, we interviewed Dimitri Mei, CEO, who told us about the motivations behind the company’s decision to adopt EPD certification and what are the advantages of such a document.
What are the main motivations that pushed you toward voluntary EPD certification?
The motivations are to be found in the continuous search for improvement. EPD certification is useful to evaluate our product in environmental terms and understand how much CO2 we emit, so that we can analyze all stages of the production process and improve it by decreasing emissions.
Which product(s) in your company has obtained EPD? What are its main features?
The certifications cover Vitreous China and Fine Fire Clay sanitary ceramic products, virtually all of our production. Cielo stands out in the world of sanitary ceramics as the top design, and with the EPD we show that in addition to design, we also care about the environmental sustainability aspects of our products.
What are the main benefits gained from publishing the Environmental Product Declaration? What are the impacts on the end consumer?
The benefits are mainly related to the company’s credibility in the market. We do not greenwash, we have a third party certify our environmental performance, and the EPD is a clear demonstration of this. The end consumer today is increasingly aware of environmental issues, and we want to assure them that our products are sustainable not just in words, but with official certifications.
Do you think EPDItaly can help spread the culture of product sustainability?
I think so. I am convinced that any initiative that aims to improve the sustainability of production is something positive. The technicians who worked on obtaining the EPD explained to me in detail the analysis that was carried out on the production process and beyond. We also analyzed the means by which our employees come to work to understand how much we impact not only as ceramic production but as a production system. This approach of raising awareness encourages the growth and spread of a culture of sustainability, starting with ourselves.
How important do you think the presence of sustainable Italian products is within a Program Operator that makes international networking one of its strengths?
I think it is very important. Being able to communicate across borders the sustainability achievements of domestic products strengthens their credibility. Recognizing, in addition to Italian design, the environmental values of our productions, completes a concept of quality that today is fundamental for approaching international markets.