The European Green Deal and its accompanying regulatory framework, including the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), are shaping the future of industrial energy use. The enamel industry, positioned at the intersection of energy-intensive processing and materials innovation, must now respond to key developments: the tightening of ETS1 (notably through the new ETS benchmarks review), the upcoming ETS2 (covering fuels for small installations), and increasing pressure to replace natural gas with low-carbon alternatives such as hydrogen.
This presentation will provide a strategic overview of current and upcoming climate-related obligations affecting the enamel sector. It will explain how free allocation under ETS1 is evolving, the risks posed by ETS2 for small-scale kilns, and the implications of an additional carbon cost burden. In parallel, we will explore the technical and economic challenges of fuel switching—especially the use of hydrogen in existing kiln and melting furnace designs. The analysis will also cover current EU funding mechanisms, such as the Innovation Fund and the Clean Industrial Deal, which may support transition investments.
The enamel industry, through the European Enamel Association (EEA) and especially Cerame Unie, is actively engaging with policymakers. This includes contributions to public consultations, participation in EU-level working groups, and close coordination with Cerame-Unie. The session aims to highlight not only regulatory impacts but also industry-driven solutions and advocacy for realistic decarbonisation pathways.
By presenting this joint perspective, the EEA seeks to raise awareness among technical experts and decision-makers in the enamelling field, ensuring that the voice of our sector is heard as climate policy continues to evolve.