Environmental Impacts of the Red Ceramics Industry in Northeast Brazil

Abstract

This paper exposes the current negative environmental impacts that have been identified in various stages of ceramic production in Northeast Brazil, through the extraction of clay, the generation of solid residues, the extraction of native vegetation for burning, and emissions into the atmosphere. A representative factory was studied, located in the municipality of Guarabira (Northeast Brazil). Although the area is developing economically, some stages of the process are not being accomplished in a way that ensures the sustainability of the activity in the environment. The pressing need for an optimized and environment-friendly ceramic production has triggered research on the production process and alternative methods. The environmental impacts observed were described herein, and a Life Cycle Assessment was carried out to quantify the carbon footprint associated with the productive process of the factory.