ANFFECC holds its General Assembly in an atmosphere of optimism
The companies belonging to the National Association of Manufacturers of Ceramic Frits, Enamels and Colours (ANFFECC) held their General Assembly on Friday, April 11, at the Hotel Luz in Castellón.
Castellón, 11 april 2025.-
In his opening report, President Fernando Fabra reviewed the current situation of the sector, highlighting “the important activity carried out by ANFFECC over the past year to address the problems facing the industry and the loss of competitiveness and sales suffered during the past two financial years.” He also underlined the need to “continue investing in decarbonisation projects that will allow the industry to meet European targets.”
According to the President, “thanks to the resilience of our sector, we are overcoming the demand crisis of recent years and, although 2024 closed with a 5.4% drop in sales, the first quarter of this year appears to have started on the right foot.” In this regard, although exports fell by 10.18% in 2024, there is confidence that these figures will recover.
In fact, the President expressed his satisfaction with the resumption of trade relations with Algeria, noting that after more than two years of restrictions, “the recovery of the Algerian market is essential, and we are confident that it will once again rank among our top destinations.”
Another significant development has been the recovery of employment within the sector, which increased by 3.6% by the end of 2024, despite the difficulties and drop in sales. The goal for the current year is to return to a path of growth while continuing to prioritise innovation and decarbonisation. An example of this commitment is the continuation of the H2frit project, which “has so far delivered very promising results and was recently awarded the RENMAD Hydrogen Innovation Award.”
Aimed at studying the technical feasibility of replacing natural gas with hydrogenas a fuel in the production of ceramic frits, H2frit is subsidised by the Valencian Regional Government (GVA) as a strategic industrial project, due to its contribution to decarbonisation and knowledge transfer. The Assembly reported that the results obtained so far have been very positive and confirm that producing ceramic frits with hydrogen is technically feasible, although, as noted on several occasions, “its real implementation will depend on both the security of hydrogen supply and its price — a key factor for maintaining the profitability and competitiveness of companies in international markets.”
Regarding institutional relations, which are an important part of the association’s activity, the Assembly noted that ANFFECC continues to call on regional, national, and European administrations for “a clear industrial policy that streamlines administrative procedures and reduces bureaucracy, so as not to undermine the international competitiveness of companies, especially in the current complex circumstances.”
After reviewing the current situation, Secretary General Manuel Breva presented the2024 Annual Report and Accounts as well as the 2025 Budget. Following their study and approval by attendees, the Secretary General reported on the management activities and projects undertaken over the past year, as well as proposals for the current one. The meeting also highlighted ANFFECC’s active participation in the committees and working groups of FEIQUE, CEV, EUROCOLOUR, and CEOE, the latter of which ANFFECC joined as a full member a year and a half ago.
In addition, the association’s technical department has carried out numerous projects of general interest for all members. ANFFECC also conducts detailed analyses of European, national, and regional legislation and draft regulations, submitting comments and proposals to ensure that the specific characteristics and needs of the sector are taken into account. The association maintains close collaboration with institutions such as CEV, CEOE, FEIQUE, CEFIC, and various ministries and regional departments, sharing insights and concerns on regulatory developments that may affect the industry.