COSTA NOVA's stoneware combines quality, aesthetics, and design. Our original formula pairs clay with a glazed surface, giving the pieces resistance suited to their intended use. The result is a material designed to meet the demands of everyday use while maintaining the quality and aesthetics that define COSTA NOVA products.
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At COSTA NOVA Industria Group, we have a total installed solar energy production capacity of more than 1.3 MW. At Ecogres, our newest manufacturing facility, the installed photovoltaic capacity allows the facility to operate independently whenever weather conditions permit. Our other manufacturing facilities are powered by a combination of photovoltaic energy and other forms of certified green energy.
The heat generated by our kilns is reused through a closed-loop system that supplies the burners and pre-kiln. We recovered heat is also used during the drying processes, reducing the need for additional energy consumption.
In the production of our pieces, we use a single-firing process, which requires significantly less energy than the double-firing systems used in other ceramic manufacturing processes. This approach helps reduce energy consumption during manufacturing and, consequently, associated CO₂ emissions.
In addition to our water consumption reduction practices, 100% of our water is treated and reused in internal cleaning processes or reintroduced into our production process. Each of our factories is equipped with an industrial wastewater treatment plant that complies with European Union standards.
Excess clay generated in our factories is recycled and reintegrated into the production process, allowing us to recover the material and reduce the amount of waste generated.
All waste we generate is managed in accordance with European Union environmental standards and requirements. More than 90% of our waste is sent for recycling or recovery, becoming by-products incorporated into other industries.
In addition to our reducing consumption practices, 100% of our water is carefully treated and reused for internal cleaning processes or reintroduced in our production process. Each one of our four factories is equipped with an industrial wastewater treatment plant, complying with EU standards.
We recycle all of our factory's excess clay into brand new dinnerware, therefore limiting transport emissions.
All waste we generate is mindfully managed according to EU environmental standards and requirements. 99% of our waste is sent for recycling or valorization processes, becoming by-products incorporated into other industries.
Our packaging contains recycled materials and is recyclable.
As part of our ongoing search for alternatives to plastic fillers, we developed a new product called Ecocard, made from shredded internal cardboard waste. Alternatively, we use 100% compostable starch-based packing peanuts, made from plant-based materials and safe for pets. In addition, all our boxes are sealed with recycled paper tape.
When packing our products or handling B2B and B2C orders, we are constantly focused on optimisation, looking to reduce both weight and space during transportation.
Our cardboard boxes are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®), indicating that the materials used to make the cardboard come from responsibly managed forests. To ensure that our packaging is properly managed after use, we have an agreement in place with Sociedade Ponto Verde.
After using our packaging, please dispose of its components through the appropriate separate collection systems, in accordance with local regulations. Sorting and recycling instructions may vary between countries and regions. Please check your local guidelines to ensure that packaging waste is disposed of correctly.
We are committed to maintaining high ethical standards in our business operations, ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations in alignment with EU standards. Our practices undergo regular audits conducted by both official regulators and independent auditors. Regarding wages, we affirm that all our employees receive compensation exceeding the mandated minimum wage.
We strive for gender equality. Women make up 70% of our staff. They are present at all levels of our company.
We employ a workforce of over 1,100 individuals from 14 nationalities across our factories and administrative and support areas.
Gender representation on the Board of Directors
For the COSTA NOVA Industria Group, balance and equitable gender representation are of utmost importance, whether in recruitment, the assignment of roles and responsibilities, remuneration, or opportunities for training and professional growth.
Gender representation on the Board of Directors is no exception. Accordingly, there is a distribution of 33% versus 67% (figures rounded to whole numbers) between women and men, with one woman and two men.
Anti-corruption/bribery and unfair competition/lobbying
The Group has a zero-tolerance policy toward any practices involving corruption or bribery.
In pursuit of this objective, and in compliance with Law No. 93/2021 of 20 December, the Group has established an internal whistleblowing channel for reporting infractions, available on its website. This channel encourages anyone who becomes aware of irregularities in the context of their professional relationship with any Group company to report such situations, which might otherwise go undetected.
Relationship with suppliers
The relationship with suppliers is of utmost importance to the Group. Building strong and long-lasting partnerships is what sustains the Group’s cohesion. In 2023, the number of suppliers remained unchanged compared to the previous year, with no new suppliers engaging in commercial relationships with the Group.
In order to maintain a healthy relationship with our suppliers, we follow good payment practices. As a result, there are no legal proceedings, administrative offenses, or fines related to this matter.
We actively engage with and support local institutions, contributing to social progress. We annually donate products to nearly 100 associations for fundraising and promote internal solidarity campaigns.
Our company established a partnership with the University of Aveiro, more than a decade ago. During this time, we have developed many projects together – some of them resulting in innovation processes and products and involving millions of euros in investment, like the Ecogres, the DigiGRÉS, and Inducer.
Over the past decade, we have welcomed 28 interns from local universities and subsequently hired 22 of them for permanent positions.
We have facilitated and collaborated on 23 master's and doctoral theses and dissertations. Notably, we have subsequently hired 8 out of the 23 students engaged in these academic projects.
Our R&D department collaborators have authored 10 articles in scientific journals.
