In a statement, the group informs that the new industrial unit - Ecogres-Cerâmica Ecológica - is dedicated to the manufacture of tableware collections from recycled raw materials using the most advanced equipment in terms of energy.

Occupying 16 thousand square meters in the Mota Industrial Zone, in Ílhavo, the building emerged from the requalification of an old factory and generates 55% of the energy it consumes.

With an initial production of around 15 to 20 thousand pieces per day, the objective, in the medium term, is to reach the threshold of 30 thousand pieces, says the group.

“More than a brand or a product, Ecogres is a concept, a factory, a philosophy. [...] This new factory is the best example of good practices in sustainable ceramic production, one of the most advanced industrial facilities in the world in terms of energy efficiency”, highlights Miguel Casal, executive president of the Costa Nova Indústria group, which defines itself as one of the world's largest producers of fine stoneware.

According to the group, "the entire 'layout' of the factory was designed with the aim of increasing productivity, reducing human effort, the ecological footprint of the ceramics and the consumption of energy and resources."

The Costa Nova group has its origins in Grestel, a company founded in 1998 and based in Vagos, which produces tableware, ovenware and serving accessories in fine stoneware, and employs 900 of the group's 1,060 employees.

It operates in the 'private label' areas (producing for international brands) and owns its own brands Costa Nova, Casafina and Ecogres.

According to the press release, between 85 and 90% of production is destined for export, with the USA as the main market, representing around 50% of turnover. In 2022, the group recorded a turnover of 40.1 million euros.