Ceramics
Imerys supplies high-performance mineral solutions used in ceramic manufacturing across sanitaryware, tableware, tiles and technical ceramics. Our portfolio of kaolin, ball clay, feldspar, wollastonite and talc supports ceramic body formulation, glaze performance and firing stability. Ceramic producers across Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa, North and South America rely on Imerys minerals to improve product strength, surface quality, whiteness and manufacturing efficiency.
For each segment, we provide tailored mineral raw materials, ready-to-use formulations and dedicated technical expertise to help manufacturers improve the quality and consistency of their products, whilst boosting productivity.
High-quality ceramics minerals and ready-to-use solutions
Imerys is a long-established and recognized expert in the ceramics industry, with roots dating as far back as the late 18th century for some of our European operations.
We provide a comprehensive portfolio of high-quality minerals and ready-to-use solutions — such as ceramic bodies and glazes — designed for sanitaryware, tableware, tiles and slabs, and technical ceramics.
Our mineral portfolio includes ball clays, kaolins — including extra-white kaolins and halloysites — chamottes, feldspars, talcs* and wollastonites, serving a wide range of ceramic applications.
Our solutions also address specific applications such as electrical porcelain and ceramics arts and hobbycraft, and include dedicated solutions for kiln furniture.
Why ceramic producers partner with Imerys?
Ceramic producers choose Imerys for more than high-quality raw materials. They rely on our mineral expertise, formulation support and consistent supply to help improve ceramic body performance, glaze results and manufacturing efficiency across a wide range of applications.
From raw materials selection process optimization, we help customers address key production challenges such as firing stability, whiteness, strength and surface finish.
As a trusted supplier of ceramic minerals and ready-to-use solutions, Imerys offers:
- A vast portfolio of consistent-quality raw materials adapted to your needs and budget
- Application-focused formulations for bodies, glazes and engobes
- Ready-to-use and customized formulations
- Applications expertise and technical support from our dedicated ceramics laboratories around the world
- Global supply and consistent quality products
Our approach combines material science, process knowledge and on-site technical assistance to deliver reliable and sustainable ceramic solutions.
*Talc products are not available in the USA and Canada. Contact us for an alternative range.
We are committed to being our customers’ partner of choice through the supply of top-quality minerals and ready-made solutions, backed by unmatched technical expertise. Our aim is to enable our customers to meet both their technical and sustainability performance challenges. In a constantly evolving environment, our proximity, agility and market expertise allow us to support our customers with innovative solutions that help them stay ahead — today and in the future.
Imerys minerals cover all ceramics segments
Imerys solutions address the principal ceramic segments: tableware, sanitaryware, tiles and large surfaces / slabs, technical ceramics and ceramic arts and crafts.
For each segment, we provide tailored mineral raw materials, ready-to-use formulations and dedicated technical expertise to help manufacturers improve the quality and consistency of their products, whilst boosting productivity.
Imerys offers a broad range of high quality minerals to the ceramics industry that offer superior technical performance, consistent quality, and advancements in creating sustainable, long lasting end products for our customers.
Our minerals are sourced from our global network of mines and processed using state-of-the-art technology to ensure the highest standards of quality and performance.
We are committed to providing our customers with the best possible products for their specific needs.
We provide extensive technical services and support
Our global ceramics teams are dedicated to developing tailored solutions that address your evolving needs — including sustainability.
Building on decades of mineral expertise and a full understanding of ceramic processing, they are able to transform mineral performance into tangible industrial outcomes: enhanced process stability, reduced defects, and improved manufacturing efficiency.
Supported by our worldwide network of ceramics and R&D labs in France, Germany, Egypt, USA, Thailand, and India, our experts can work hand-in-hand with you, providing comprehensive services — ranging from full analytical services, ceramics testing and process optimization to formulation development, training, and on-site technical support — wherever you operate.
With a presence on five continents, we can also guarantee seamless logistics and timely global delivery, ensuring your materials arrive when and where you need them, in line with your performance and sustainability objectives.
Sustainability underpins everything we do
At Imerys, our core mission is to build better futures for our people, customers, and planet. We are dedicated to unlocking the sustainable potential of minerals by operating responsibly, protecting natural ecosystems, and ensuring our solutions deliver long-term value to our stakeholders and society.
A vital part of achieving this purpose is addressing the risks and opportunities presented by climate change. This report primarily focuses on how we are actively decarbonizing our operations and value chain, as well as adapting our product portfolio to facilitate the transition toward a low-carbon economy.
Actually, sustainability is embedded into our product development process through a structured and measurable approach. In 2025, 75% of our Ceramics and Building Products portfolio (by revenue) has been assessed against sustainability criteria.
We support your sustainability journey
We support you with your own transition to a low-carbon economy through tangible industrial solutions that help you mitigate waste and losses, reduce energy consumption, lower CO2 emissions and extend the lifespan of your end products.
We can also provide you with full Life Cycle Assessments (LCA), Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and Product Carbon Footprint documentation — available on request.
Meet ShrinkSanTM!
Used In sanitaryware production, our ShrinkSan kiln furniture system can be reused more than 800 times, avoiding around three tonnes of waste and reducing the overall CO2 footprint of toilet production by 6%.
Imerys Tableware France, located near Limoges, has recently celebrated its 240th anniversary. As one of Imerys’ oldest operations in Europe, this remarkable milestone not only reflects the business' deep-rooted history, it underscores the operation’s enduring commitment to its customers’ excellence, innovation and the local community.
In early February, Imerys Ceramics Egypt welcomed key customers, local stakeholders and Imerys Ceramics management to celebrate the official opening of Imerys Technologies Egypt, a newly expanded ceramics laboratory. The facility marks an important step forward in how Imerys’ team in Egypt can support customers across the region — bringing advanced technical services, S&T capabilities and application expertise closer to the markets they serve.
When it comes to tableware, dining together beats dining alone. A perfect example is Imerys’ longstanding partnership with Apulum, a major European porcelain manufacturer and Imerys’ very important customer in tableware. We spoke with those involved to find out how this partnership is shaping the future of sustainable tableware.
Imerys Kaolins de Bretagne in southwest Brittany hosted an open day to commemorate its 120th anniversary, bringing together the general public, site employees and their families, customers, representatives of local associations, local elected officials and other important regional stakeholders. The day also marked another significant milestone for the company's future, since it coincides with the renewal in 2023 of the prefectural order authorizing Imerys to continue its mining activities at Kaolin de Bretagne for a further 28 years.
