Environmental Impacts of Different Types of Ceramic Tiles using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): A Case Study of a Ceramic Tiles Company in Czech Republic

Abstract

This study focuses on analyzing the environmental impacts of ceramic tiles using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, which examines the influence of production processes on the overall carbon footprint of products. The carbon footprint assessment was conducted using the LCA method in a cradle-to-gate model according to ISO 14040/14044 standards. The evaluated processes include raw material extraction, mixing and grinding, pressing, glazing, firing, and packaging of the tiles. The functional unit was 1 m² of tiles, allowing for a comparison of the environmental burden of both formats. In this analysis, tiles of two different sizes, 60x60 cm and 60x120 cm, were assessed to determine how size affects their ecological burden.The research addresses key questions, such as the difference in the carbon footprint between these two formats and the identification of processes that contribute the most to overall emissions. The main finding of the study is that the carbon footprint of the 60x120 cm tile, which amounts to 3.63 kg CO₂eq/m², is not double that of the smaller tile (2.86 kg CO₂eq/m²). This difference, with the larger tile having a 27% higher carbon footprint, highlights the efficiency of production, where larger sizes do not lead to a linear increase in emissions but rather to more efficient use of materials and energy.The study also identified the mixing and grinding, pressing, and firing processes as the most energy-intensive. Grinding contributes 32% of the total carbon footprint for the smaller tile, while for the larger tile, this share is 27%. These processes indicate potential for optimization of production methods and reduction of energy consumption, which is essential for sustainability.Additionally, the efficiency of using recycled materials in the production of larger tiles was examined, which reduces the need for new raw materials and directly impacts the ecological footprint. The non-linear relationship between tile size and carbon footprint further confirms that larger formats can lead to a lower environmental burden, which positively affects the overall emissions profile.This study underscores the role of LCA as an effective tool for identifying key processes and opportunities for improvement in the ceramic industry. Emphasizing the analysis of production processes and their impact on the overall carbon footprint provides valuable insights for manufacturers seeking to optimize their methods and transition to more sustainable practices.In conclusion, the research confirms that LCA is crucial for developing more eco-friendly manufacturing practices and process optimization. In the future, emphasis should be placed on standardizing LCA methodologies in the ceramic industry to allow for better comparison and evaluation of different production techniques and their environmental impacts. These steps are essential to ensure long-term sustainability and environmental protection in this sector.