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[August 2002]
Launch of New Refractories & Industrial Ceramics Representatives Body
In October this year BCC is launching a new sector body, the British Refractories & Industrial Ceramics Association, which will oversee the
interests of those companies formerly associated both with the Refractories Association of Great Britain and the British Industrial Ceramics
Manufacturers Association. In so doing BCC will be creating a new forum in which manufacturers of a broader range of activities associated with the
production, supply and installation of refractory and industrial ceramics can have an effective say in the formulation of BCC policy to safeguard and
develop their interests.The refractories and industrial ceramics businesses and their related technologies are now regional and/or global. Increased regulation of the
industry by the European Commission is often made more restrictive by member states, whilst key competitors in Japan & USA work together to persuade their governments to support trade and mitigate inappropriate legislation. The industry is, as a result, vulnerable to many external pressures and the European Commission will discuss the related issues only with European representative associations. For this reason it is vital that the UK industry, through BCC, the parent body of BRICA, supports Cerame Unie, the Brussels based European Federation representative of manufacturers of all ceramics materials and products. BCC is keen to ensure that the related UK sector body is truly representative of the industry. Acknowledging the co-dependence of the raw material suppliers, manufacturers of product and installation companies, BCC intends to develop a fully integrated sector body, the collective strength of which will exceed the sums of its parts.Members of BRICA will be a part of the process in which European producers can influence the policies and regulations of the European Commission (E.C.) on trade, employment, research, health & safety, environment, etc. For example, Cerame Unie provides technical advice to discussions between European materials producers and the E.C. on possible re-classification of hazard and risk for crystalline silica; it is also reviewing future
directives on lead, and on waste from electrical & electronic equipment. All members of BRICA will benefit fully from the substantial input which BCC
contributes to Cerame Unie activities.BCC itself continues to provide a comprehensive range of services to its members, details of which are highlighted on its website, www.ceramfed.co.uk. The highest profile current activity of benefit to manufacturers of fired products is the success of its members participation
in the Climate Change Levy Rebate Scheme, which is collectively saving the industry sup to £15 millions annually in its energy costs.
ENDS