ENVIRONMENTAL

- SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT BY IRIS CERAMICA GROUP

Thanks to a constant work of improvement in every step of the manufacturing cycle, from 2019 to 2021, for every sqm of ceramics produced, Iris Ceramica Group has reduced the water withdrawals and discharges of 13.4% and 12% respectively.

- THE ECO-ACTIVE ACTIVE SURFACES®

Active Surfaces®, on the market from more than 10 years, are characterized by antibacterial and antiviral, anti-pollution, anti-odour and self-cleaning properties tested according to ISO standards. These are state-of-the-art surfaces, which demonstrate how technical ceramics is one of the noblest and most efficient materials of our time. The properties that distinguish Active Surfaces®, have been obtained thanks to the innovative process resulting from the long and scrupulous scientific research work of Iris Ceramica Group carried out in collaboration with the Chemistry Department of the University of Milan, which has also showed extraordinary results related to the ability of Active Surfaces® to eliminate 94% of SARS-CoV-2 after only 4 hours of exposure to UV light

Other related SDGs 3 9

- IRIS CERAMICA GROUP ACHIEVED THE LEED CERTIFICATION

Leed Certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) one of the most popular green building certification programs used worldwide, being recognized and effective in more than 40 countries. It includes the evaluation and certification of the environmental, social and economic sustainability using a set of rating systems for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of green buildings, homes, and neighbourhoods. According to LEED classification criteria, building materials with high eco-sustainability contribute to obtaining credits by raising the building's score. LEED certifies that all the slabs contain a percentage of recycled material over 40% according to ISO 14021, thus guaranteeing the highest scores according to the LEED system that aims to help building owners and operators to be environmentally responsible and to use the resources available in a very effective way.

- RESPONSIBLE WOOD’S MANAGEMENT

In the course of 2021 in the Italian plants, the Group sent 851,460 kg of wood for recycling, an increase of 13% compared to the previous year. Furthermore, thanks to the project launched to recover wooden crates used to ship large ceramic slabs, in 2021 the 13.51% of the 66,234 packages sent to the customer has been recovered.

- RESPONSIBLE PLASTIC’S MANAGEMENT

Iris Ceramica Group has been using flexible polyethylene packaging for years as part of the packaging waste management system recognized by the Ministry of the Environment. These are materials produced using up to 90% recycled plastic derived from regeneration processes. As a result, in 2021 the Group recycled 101,410 tons of plastic waste which, uniformly selected for colour and thickness and recycled becomes a regenerated polymer used t As a result, in 2021 the Group recycled 101,410 tons o produce new packaging.

- RESPONSIBLE WASTE’S MANAGEMENT

The waste generated during the processing cycle of the raw and cooked material is recovered totally in the Iris Ceramica Group’s plants. In 2021, 56,000 tons of material were recovered and reintroduced into the production cycle.

- IRIS CERAMICA GROUP ACHIEVED THE CRADLE TO CRADLE CERTIFIED® SILVER CERTIFICATION

One of the most ambitious global standards for the design and production of safe, circular and responsible products. It is considered one of the most innovative, detailed and interesting environmental labels especially for professionals who pay particular attention to the issues of sustainability and social responsibility as it covers not only aspects linked to the product life cycle, but also the respect for human rights by the company and the supply chain.

- EPD® BY IRIS CERAMICA GROUP

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was also performed on Iris Ceramica Group materials according to the "from cradle to grave" scheme published in the Environmental Product Declaration - EPD®.

- IRIS CERAMICA GROUP ACHIEVED THE "GREENGUARD AND GREENGUARD GOLD” CERTIFICATIONS

Iris Ceramica Group achieved the GreenGuard and GreenGuard Gold certifications. The first, GreenGuard, ensures that materials intended for use indoors are characterized by the almost non-existent share of emissions of volatile substances (VOCs), contributing to the creation of healthier environments. The second, GreenGuard Gold, widely recognized and accepted by sustainable building programs around the world, attests to the total absence of risks even in places where the presence of particularly sensitive subjects such as children and elderly.

Other related SDGs 3

- BIOREGENERATION PROJECT IN THE CERAMICS DISTRICT

Fondazione Iris Ceramica Group has promoted a project of Bioregeneration of the ceramic district, a three-year research on the ceramic district aimed at identifying solutions for sustainable economic growth and environmental protection, with the purpose of contributing to combat climate change.

Other related SDGs 8

- THE WORLD’S FIRST GREEN HYDROGEN CERAMIC INDUSTRY

Iris Ceramica Group creates the world’s first ceramic factory powered by green hydrogen, confirming that sustainable innovation is always a priority in the Group’s choices. The new plant is in Castellarano and will be put into operation within the end of 2022. The facility is equipped with native technologies that allow the introduction of green hydrogen in production processes. This is also crucial for achieving the European objective of carbon neutrality by 2050.

Other related SDGs 7 9

- SEA SHEPHERD – SISO Operation

In 2021, the Fondazione Iris Ceramica Group continues to support SISO operation, the campaign run by the Sea Shepherd in the Mediterranean aiming to protect the ecosystem of the Aeolian Islands from illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

- SEA SHEPHERD – GHOSTNET Operation

Fondazione Iris Ceramica Group always alongside Sea Shepherd to support Ghostnet operation. The new campaign, which takes place in the Mediterranean Sea, focuses on the problems of large fishing equipment that are lost or abandoned in the sea by fishermen, damaging the marine ecosystem through the so-called “ghost net” phenomenon, which also constitutes a danger for vessels.