A recent event organised by the British Ceramic Confederation and the Materials Knowledge Transfer Network (KTN) championed ways manufacturers can reduce defects – and consequentially reduce cost and environmental impact on their businesses.

The event, ‘Defect Reduction in Structural Ceramics – Problems and Practical Solutions’ took place at Lucideon, Stoke-on-Trent on March 5,  provided an opportunity for industrialists and academics to join together and address the issue of wastage in the industry and offered an opportunity to investigate strategies to tackle defect reduction and control in the manufacturing process.

Dr Laura Cohen, chief executive of the British Ceramic Confederation, said: “The reject rate in some ceramic companies can approach ten per cent, so there are compelling economic and environmental reasons to implement defect reduction strategies.”

“It is the first time we have organised this event with the KTN and we hope it will develop into a regular programme, which informs ceramics manufacturers and signposts them to innovations and concepts that can positively impact on their business.”