Qualidade, produtividade e meio ambiente: uma proposta para o desenvolvimento de um revestimento cerâmico livre de chumbo

Abstract

This paper intends to describe the elaboration of a ceramic product, without lead, due to its high level of toxicity, and proposes a new criteria for the evaluation of the product, based on the concept of eco-design and supported by the increasing volume of eco-products, businesses and ecologically-correct consumers. The research was developed at a ceramic industry Eliane Revestimentos Cerâmicos, and is divided into four chapters which deal, respectively, with the use of lead in ceramic industries; the toxicity of the lead, the environmental behavior of the companies, the eco-design and eco-products, and the description, in methodology, of the evolution of research and use of tin as an alternative to replace lead compound materials. The findings of this study show that a ceramic product without lead is possible and economically feasible, without loosing the technical and aesthetic characteristics for its functions. The results show that it is more effective to contribute to the evolution of the industry and consumer`s initial attitude, which, in turn converges to the preventive strategies at the beginning of the process, as proposed by eco-design. This is in opposition to the use of anti-pollution equipment and waste treatment at the end of the industrial process.