The 2025 Event Sustainability Report from Cersaie was presented recently during an annual meeting with exhibitors and stand contractors. The figures reveal tangible results: energy consumption (-3%) and waste (-12%) have both fallen, while the recovery of exhibition carpeting stands out as one of the most significant examples of the circular economy implemented at Cersaie. Sustainable mobility initiatives also prevented the emission of approximately 76.5 tonnes of CO₂.
A key milestone in this journey was reached on December 4th 2025 when Bureau Veritas Italia awarded Cersaie the ISO 20121 international certification for sustainable event management. The Event Sustainability Report is the official reporting document required by the standard and has been prepared to explain to everyone who chooses to be part of Cersaie what they do, why they do it and where they intend to go, ensuring high levels of transparency.
The report highlights a 3% reduction in energy consumption and a 12% decrease in total waste generated. The recovery of the carpeting used throughout the exhibition halls has become one of the most tangible and impactful examples of the circular economy implemented at Cersaie. In addition, the collective transport services promoted by Cersaie, including dedicated buses and trains, prevented the emission of approximately 76.5 tonnes of CO₂.
These achievements are complemented by measures aimed at reducing plastic use and accelerating digitalisation. From the 2025 edition onwards, visitor badges have been produced entirely from recycled paper, while the number of printed exhibition guide maps was reduced by 25% in favour of a digital version accessible directly via smartphone.
The results achieved in 2025 represent the first significant structural step towards improving the efficiency of the exhibition while further strengthening its role as a benchmark for culture, education and professional exchange. Cersaie 2025 hosted 69 events – including seminars, conferences, round tables and training sessions – totalling 178 hours and attracting 4,323 participants, including 1,601 students. Ten of these events offered training credits for architects.
This process of continuous development also includes the Career Day, a strategic initiative designed to connect recent graduates with ceramic industry companies seeking new talent. The 2025 edition took place at the ex GAM – Bologna Congress Centre, recently restored by BolognaFiere, and recorded a 7% increase in graduating students registered and a 108% increase in interviews arranged compared to 2024, with the participation of 25 companies.
‘This report demonstrates that environmental and social responsibility are now an integral part of Cersaie’s DNA,’ comments Armando Cafiero, Managing Director of Confindustria Ceramica. ‘The reduction in energy consumption, the success of our recycling initiatives and the approximately 76.5 tonnes of CO₂ emissions avoided through the sustainable mobility schemes we promoted demonstrate that our industry is capable of leading change. Sharing these results with our stakeholders reaffirms our commitment to transparency and enables us to continue growing together while reducing our environmental impact.’
The next edition of Cersaie will take place in Bologna from 21st to 25th September 2026, with the objective of building on the progress already achieved and continuing to reduce the exhibition’s environmental footprint year after year.
The full Event Sustainability Report can be downloaded in Italian from the official Cersaie website at: www.cersaie.it/it/d_sustainability.php
