Costa Verde is one of the leading Portuguese porcelain manufacturers, combining technological innovation, sustainable production, and timeless design.
Founded in 1992, the company quickly became a global reference brand in professional porcelain, recognized for its precision, durability, and aesthetic excellence.
Through continuous research and close collaboration with designers and hospitality professionals, Costa Verde develops collections that unite functionality and beauty — tailored both for fine dining concepts and everyday use.
COSTA VERDE
Costa Verde started its activity in 1992, by being one of the most modern companies in the sector, worldwide. Based on an innovative philosophy, it has invited the main Portuguese porcelain distributors, in order for them to participate in its share capital and industry.
The idea has proven to be a success because it extraordinarily strengthened the ties with distribution, thus allowing, in such a traditional sector with so many barriers, a faster market product’s access. The outcome was a strong implantation across the Portuguese market, which turned Costa Verde into a highly recognized brand.
But the activity could not be limited to the national market! Therefore, a business plan was drafted, from the beginning, containing guidelines for the brand’s introduction in other countries.
Over almost 30 years of steady growth, partnerships have emerged from various marketplaces around the world. The constant research, creation and development of new products and concepts has allowed Costa Verde to be present across more than 50 locations and obtaining 70% of revenues across the international market.
The production unit is located in the district of Aveiro, in Portugal, with a covered area of 35,000 sqm and an available area of over 65,000 sqm.
What sets us apart?
Quality
Product quality and customer service is the structural pillar of any organization. As Costa Verde is an ISO 9001 certified company, its policy is based on the continuous improvement of the service it provides, which leads it to presenting distinctive and high-quality products.
By favoring the future of the company to the detriment of the short-term return on capital has stimulated investment in all production areas, which results in the most modern equipment and efficient processes.
A compatibility study carried out by Diversey, a world leader in the professional hygiene and cleaning industry, has concluded that Costa Verde’s dishes show no evidence of damage, after 450 mechanical washes (using products with or without hypochlorite). The resistance of porcelain to industrial washing and chemical agents is, thus, confirmed.
The Quality Department carries out work, under continuity, evaluation and control framework, in close relationship with the national and international scientific and academic community.
Environement
Certified under ISO 14001 – Environmental Management System, Costa Verde is committed towards actively contributing to the preservation of the environment. The continuous improvement of its performance, the reduction of the impact on the Planet and the fulfilment of the legally imposed requirements are its main focuses.
This environmental commitment is integrated into the strategic goals of the company, which has an Industrial Wastewater Treatment Plant (IWTP) to efficiently treat its industrial liquid effluents. All the water treated in this plant is reused in washing the factory’s floor.
In addition, the company promotes the internal and external valorization of 95% of its waste.
Hygiene and Safety
For Costa Verde, the workers’ health and safety is more than a legal imperative. It is a form of sustainable growth.
The porcelain producer strives daily into reducing the number of accidents at work and occupational diseases, which cost so many lives around the world. Therefore, it is committed to a preventive culture, training, and knowledge on the magnitude of the consequences of non-prevention.
Energy
Energy management is an area deserving, nowadays, special attention. Knowing precisely how energy is consumed and the related costs, leads to a reduction in energy expenses and, consequently, an increase in competitiveness and sustainability.
Costa Verde has implemented an energy management system, reflected into ISO 50001’s certification. It has installed hot air recovery systems and photovoltaic panels, which reduce energy consumption and the environmental footprint.
Social Responsibility
The commitment to social responsibility is the outcome of a number of concerns in Costa Verde, both environmental and social, which, directly or indirectly, interfere with people’s daily lives.
The company is certified by SA 8000 standard and has, since 2015, subscribed to the principles of the United Nations Global Compact, by committing itself to accept, support and apply its fundamental values across the areas of human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption. It is also aligned with the Green Economy, non-financial reporting and the SDGA – Sustainable Development Goals Alliance.
Recognized for its respect for others and the environment, team spirit and gratitude, justice and honesty, Costa Verde carries out projects across the social area. Costa Verde Solidária, the project on Psychosocial Risks and the implementation of a Performance Management System – PMS, stand out.
Training
People take on a structural role in Costa Verde and all employees do their best to ensure that the company is respected and admired. The permanent investment, across training and updating processes, has resulted in highly qualified human resources, which are decisive for the company’s competitiveness in the market.
Certified by DGERT, Costa Verde continues to strive to increase the personal and professional skills of its employees.
CORPORATE PRESENTATION
A sense of uniqueness
Porcelain is distinct from all other ceramic products due to the co-existence of three technical features that are unique and fundamental: toughness, whiteness and translucency. Porcelain also has a high level of mechanical resistance, ensuring durability, safety, a soft touch and beauty for use on a daily basis.
The raw materials used in porcelain, despite being common to other ceramics, follow much stricter qualitative selection criteria regarding the constancy of their technical features and the daily procedure of quality control in laboratory testing. Porcelain paste is made of four raw materials – Quartz, Clay, Feldspar and Kaolin, combined in a precise composition.
The items are produced using various manufacturing processes, including Casting, Isostatic Pressing, High Pressure Casting and Counter Moulding. This is followed by 18 hours of bisque firing at 1.000ºC. The items are then glazed and fired again at 1.400ºC. It is here, when the items reach their maturity, becoming impermeable, extremely resistant, white and translucent, that we obtain Porcelain.
Porcelain is resistant to chemical attack by detergents or food and to mechanical attack caused by the use of cutlery. Decorations are achieved by the application of decals or by enamel spraying onto glazed pieces which are then fired for a third time to 1,250ºC. This high firing is called ‘in glaze’ as the decorations and enamel sink into the glaze rather than sit on the surface which achieves a high level of resistance and durability.
All these rigorous and complex stages of production ensure that Costa Verde porcelain is both beautiful and durable.
A sense of mission
Design, develop, produce and market porcelain products to promote well-being, quality and beauty, with innovation, professionalism and sustainability, at the table.
A historical sense
Costa Verde opened its business in 1992 and is one of the most modern companies of the sector in the European Union. The factory is located in the District of Aveiro, with a covered area of 30,000 m2 and an available area of over 60,000 m2.
With qualified human resources, the company permanently invests in training and in the updating of processes, giving rise to an e ective positioning and a customer service driven attitude in the markets in which it operates. Characterised by equipment with the most advanced technology of German origin, and the use of carefully selected national and foreign raw materials, our product stands out due to its high level of quality.
The Quality Department works on a continuous basis in assessment and control, closely together with the Department of Materials and Ceramics Engineering of Aveiro University and the Ceramics and Glass Technological Centre of Coimbra. 70% of our production is exported to the European Union, United States of America, Japan, South Korea, England, Switzerland, Denmark, South Africa, Chile, Brazil, Mexico and Angola, among others.
A sense of sustainability
Costa Verde. More than just a name, rather a beacon guiding our path towards the Green Economy. A path in a single sense taken since the very beginning. For this reason, we actively contribute to preserve the environment, reducing our impact on the region.
We comply with all the legally imposed requirements and have been certified since 2003 by the environmental management system ISO 14001. In 2014 we strengthened our ethical and social commitment by endorsing the United Nations Global Compact principles. But this sense of sustainability is far from being an obligation.
Preservation of the environment is part of our nature. Keeping our coastline ‘green’ (verde) is one of the Costa Verde objectives.
A sense of safety
Currently, the sense of safety is one of the most important aspects of a product. At Costa Verde, strictness in the quality control of the manufacture of our items is a priority. And has been from the very beginning. So that our customers feel comfortable and safe.
That’s why it’s inevitable to talk about the raw material that produces the whiteness and smoothness of our tableware: porcelain. Which is distinct from other ceramic products due to the absence of contaminants in its component materials and due to its low thermal conductivity.
In contrast to stoneware and earthenware, porcelain is impermeable and non-porous. Which means that it doesn’t easily absorb the elements to which it is exposed. And that is what makes this product the safest and most hygienic solution for intensive use in coffee shops, restaurants, hotels and hospitals.
We thus move forwards with a clear sense of safety. So that subjective concepts such as beauty, elegance or sophistication are not mere senseless details.
This is the distinctive hallmark of Costa Verde.
A sense of simplicity
Lean management is a work philosophy that really excites us, because we believe this is the future of the industry. At Costa Verde we simplify and eliminate what doesn’t make sense. We create value by cutting waste and manufacturing costs to achieve “lean management”.
Various projects already follow this model. Among them, we like to highlight the isostatic press for cups which enables 25% production gains and 31% quality improvement. When we live with a sense of simplicity and focus on what really matters, we add value for the customer.
And this is sensed in every one of our items.
A sense of range
Costa Verde – the art of perfect porcelain
Crafted from the finest raw materials — quartz, clay, feldspar, and kaolin - carefully blended and fired at temperatures of up to 1,400°C to ensure maximum strength and translucency.
A perfect balance of aesthetics and durability - porcelain resistant to heat, chemicals, and everyday use, while maintaining its long-lasting shine and refined, delicate feel.
Portuguese craftsmanship and precision - a harmonious blend of tradition, innovation, and quality that makes Costa Verde recognized worldwide.
1992
- Commencement of operations of Costa Verde.
2000
- Acquisition of an automatic line for filling and gluing handles.
2002
- ISO 9001 certification.
2003
- Launch of the Duo collection.
- ISO 14001 certification.
- Acquisition of 3D printing technology for product development.
- Acquisition of isostatic press with finishing robot.
2005
- Launch of the Eclipse collection.
2006
- Launch of the Isola collection.
- OHSAS 18001 certification.
- Enlargement of the facilities and new continuous kiln.
- Robotic isostatic press with 3D scanner.
2007
- Launch of the Opera, Boheme and Aria collections.
- Kaizen project – improved layout and productive flow.
2009
- DGERT certification.
2010
- Launch of the Saturno collection.
2012
- Launch of the Ecos collection.
- Installation of heat exchangers for improved energy eficiency of the productive process.
2013
- SA8000 certification.
2014
- Launch of the Saturno Coupe collection.
- UN Global Compact certification.
2015
- ISO 50001 certification.
- Implementation of the Kaizen methodology.
2016
- Launch of the Saturno Eliptico collection.
2017
- Launch of the Raio and Universal collections.
- Celebrations of the 25th Anniversary of Costa Verde.
- NP 4457 certification.
- Installation of a photovoltaic plant.
- IN Innovation – Productive Innovation project.
2018
- Open Day dedicated to the topic Industry 4.0.
2019
- Launch of the Nordika collection.
2020
- Enlargement of facilities with the acquisition of a new kiln for bisque and glaze firing, double isostatic, glazing and trimming machine.
- ISO 45001 certification.
2002 – ISO 9001
Costa Verde is currently one of the most modern European companies. With excellent productivity rates and one of the most competitive industries of the sector, as certified by ISO 9001 standard since 2002.
2003 – ISO 14001
Certified by ISO 14001 – Environmental Management System standard since 2003, Costa Verde is committed to preserving the environment. Continuously improving its environmental performance and reducing its footprint, thus complying with the legally imposed requirements.
2006 – OHSAS 18001
2020 – ISO 45001
Certified by OHSAS 18001 standard since 2006, the company received ISO 45001 – Occupational Health and Safety Management System certification in 2020. The health and safety of its employees is more than a legal imperative for Costa Verde. It’s a form of sustainable growth.
2009 – DGERT FORMAÇÃO
Accredited as a training entity by DGERT [Directorate- General for Employment and Work Relations] since 2009, Costa Verde has progressively invested in enhancing the value of its human resources. In a structured manner, the training of its employees is fostered as a crucial factor for ensuring competitiveness.
2013 – SA 8000
The certification by SA8000 – Social Responsibility standard represents the culmination of a series of concerns felt by the company both at an environmental and social level, that directly or indirectly interferes with peoples’ daily life.
Costa Verde accepts its responsibilities, as its decisions consider the community and the environment in which it is integrated; and its business ensures the respect for human rights, environmental protection, compliance with social rules, observance of ethical values and investment aimed at enhancing the personal value of its employees.
2014 – UN GLOBAL COMPACT
Costa Verde has endorsed the United Nations Global Compact principles since 2014. This is a commitment of acceptance, support and enforcement of human rights, employment, the Green Economy and anticorruption.
2015 – ISO 50001
ISO 50001, launched by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO), certified Costa Verde’s good energy practices in 2015. Thorough knowledge of how our energy is consumed and its costs, worked in a fundamental tool for optimising energy yields, has resulted in lower energy expenses and consequently increased competitiveness and sustainability.
2017 – NP 4457
The application of technology in products and processes, and the technological adoption and dispersal within Costa Verde is recognized by the NP 4457 standard in 2017. The management of innovation is part of the process of technological development, the application of technology in products and processes, and the technological adoption and dispersal within the company.
This last aspect should be perceived as the introduction of new technologies in the company at the product level, in manufacturing processes or in any functional area. This is a new field of knowledge that is essential for companies to be able to maximize the benefits of using technology and its development, thus creating the conditions for stronger competitiveness in the market.