As part of an ongoing process of technological and engineering development, 2018 has seen the start-up of a number of new plants for the production of large-size ceramic panels and slabs. This new technology complements the other well-established manufacturing processes and offers fresh business potential for the Italian tile industry.

It is no exaggeration to say that installation contributes at least 51% to the success of floor or wall tiling.

The project launched by the Italian Ceramic Culture Centre now has a name: Mater Ceramica, where Mater is an acronym for Mapping of Art, Technology and Research.

From 19 to 23 January, 23 top Italian ceramic companies will be exhibiting in a joint pavilion in the “Actuel” Hall

Celebrating its 25th Anniversary, the Annual Competition recognizes projects featuring exemplary use of Italian tile and announces new student category addition.

With all probability, 2017 will end with an absolute record of investments in technology for ceramics, driven by the launch on the market of ceramic slabs, an economic situation showing positive signs in different markets, and by the Industry 4.0 tax incentives envisaged by the Italian Government.

An emerging designer for Alessi and creative director for Marcel Wanders, Gabriele Chiave’s work ranges from product and interior design through to brand communication. He adopts a transversal approach to design that transcends function and in which decoration plays a key role.

Large size panels produced using dedicated manufacturing technologies create seam-less, continuous surfaces. However the joints are vital for avoiding problems during the floor’s service life.

The idea that Italian ceramic tiles are integral to a 'coating system' - envisaged in its broadest sense of wall or floor coating, outdoor or indoor, is getting more and more consolidated everywhere.

Ola Rune, co-founder of the architecture practice Claesson Koivisto Rune, explains that Swedish consumers are constantly in search of new design solutions.