Global Stone Federations Set to Meet at StonExpo 2026
The Natural Stone Strategic Alliance (NSSA) will hold its first official meeting as a formally established international federation during StonExpo 2026, ushering in a new chapter of global coordination for the natural stone sector. The event is set for January 27 in Las Vegas (USA), as part of The International Surface Event (TISE), running from January 26 to 29.
Brazil, through the Brazilian Natural Stone Association (Centrorochas), is one of the six founding countries of the international federation, alongside the United States, Italy, Greece, the United Kingdom, and Portugal. Centrorochas holds a seat on the federation's governing board, represented by its vice president, Fábio Cruz.
“This will be the first NSSA meeting under a consolidated institutional structure, and Brazil is proud to have been part of this effort since its inception. Our country is recognized for possessing the world's greatest geodiversity and for its leading role in the global supply of natural stone. This leadership role reinforces the sector's commitment to innovation and international cooperation to promote natural stone as a low-environmental-impact construction material,” says Fábio Cruz.
Strategic Agenda
Guided by thematic projects of shared interest, the NSSA employs a flexible, collaborative governance model aimed at delivering concrete results. The inaugural meeting will cover key topics, including institutional operating guidelines, admission of new members, and the next milestones for EPD Global, the alliance's first project.
Focused on standardizing the measurement of natural stone's environmental impacts, EPD Global seeks to create a common technical framework for publishing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in each member country. Brazil has made a foundational contribution to the initiative via a digital platform developed by the Federal Institute of Espírito Santo (IFES – Cachoeiro de Itapemirim Campus). This tool, presented and approved by several countries at Marmomac Italy in September 2025, collects environmental data from sector companies and is now available to other NSSA members, solidifying Brazil's leadership in innovation and sustainability across the global natural stone supply chain.
Another key agenda item in Las Vegas will be discussing funding for the federation's activities. One option under review involves institutional partnerships with major international natural stone trade fairs. The alliance has already begun talks with events like Marmomac Italy and Marmomac Brazil, with plans to expand support through financial contributions from other prominent global fairs. NSSA members will assess potential partnership models, along with reciprocal benefits and support mechanisms to ensure the long-term viability of joint initiatives.
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