Spain’s ceramic tile sector grew by 7%, now the third largest exporter of tile in world – at the forefront of technology, design and innovation
The International Ceramic Tile Fair known as CEVISAMA recently took place from February 7-10 at the Feria Valencia centre in Spain. While Spanish tile makers dominate CEVISAMA, there is a growing international presence among the more than 700 exhibitors. One of the characteristic features of Spain’s ceramic tile manufacturing industry is that it is one of the most innovative and dynamic and, in the international arena, is at the forefront of both technological development and design and quality in materials and services. This has led to an expansion in research and development, partnership with international universities (including Harvard University in the U.S.) and growth in exports and sales.
Topline Figures from Spain’s Ceramic Tile Industry in 2011
Despite the economic downturn, Spain’s ceramic tile sector exports grew by 7%. Today, Spain is the second biggest exporter of ceramic tiles in Europe, and the third in the world. It is estimated that total sales by the Spanish ceramic tile industry will have hit 2,570 million euros by the end of the 2011 exercise, equating to 1% increase on the previous year.
Key Trends/New Products Featured
The following provides a brief overview of some of the key trends and new products featured at CEVISAMA:
1. Recycled Content
‘ECO-LOGIK’, introduced by Plaza Cerámicas (Tile of Spain) is a porcelain tile made from 85% recycled material. The combination of recycled porcelain floor tile and glass has led to the creation of this new durable material, which is non porous, easy to clean and nonslip. The new ECOWOOD series is a rustic soft wood look available in 4 different sizes and 3 colors. Compared to actual wood, this tile is long lasting and will never need stain to maintain its rustic look over time.
2. Marble, Stone, Cement or Concrete Looks
Spanish tile is inherently more durable for interiors and exteriors than marble, stone or cement. The Spanish tile manufacturers have taken advantage of this opportunity – along with advances in finishes and ink jet printing to make tiles that look identical to marble, stone or cement. Spanish tile also offers designers flexibility in finishes including gloss, semi-gloss, anti-slip and matte. Durable thin tile provides an advantage in ease of installation and lower cost for transport. PAMESA CERAMICA (Tile of Spain) recently introduced a rustic cement/wood combination that has proved popular as well as several marble and stone looks. KERABEN GRUPO (Tile of Spain) introduced the stunning Afrika – inspired by the relief pattern of natural slate.
3. Fashion-Inspired and Custom Imprints
Advances in ink jet printing have led Spanish tile makers to partner with fashion and design icons to make fashion-inspired tile patterns. From the runway to the stairway – Spanish tile can be imprinted with almost any design opening up to photography, artwork, murals, faux wall coverings, signage and more. EMAC (Tile of Spain) launched the “Francis Montesinos” Collection 2012 featuring Haute Couture dresses. CERACASA (Tile of Spain) expanded the flexibility of their EMOTILE series making affordable custom wall designs for interiors and exteriors a reality.
4. Advances in Slim Tile
INALCO (Tile of Spain) is taking thin tile technology to the next level with their SLIMMKER tile in a floor product noting that there is almost no reason for them to produce thicker tile any longer. These tiles are being used in commercial and residential situations. And because of their slimline body and high mechanical strength – they can be used to overlay existing surfaces so long as they are level.
5. Dimensional Designs
Tile that bends or curves in dimensional and exciting new forms were present at CEVISAMA. Architects want tile that visually moves and manufacturers like NATUCER (Tile of Spain) and APAVISA PORCELANICO (Tile of Spain) are pushing the envelope with new dimensional product collections targeted to designers and architects.
6. Technology behind the Tile
With the advent of mechanically fastened floors and walls, tile makers can now hide technology behind interior walls in both home and commercial settings. Tau (Tile of Spain) launches innovation in its S3 collection: Smart Surface Systems. S3 hides technology behind the tile. At a touch, the air can be cleaned of harmful VOCs, heat or cooling can occur, television/music or other electronics can be controlled and far more. S3 utilized on a table surface can call a waiter, or heat the table when temperatures cool at night.
Other Event Details:
Tile of Spain Awards
This year marked the tenth edition of the Tile of Spain Awards. Both the prestige of its successive juries and the quality of the prize-winning projects have made these Awards, organized by ASCER, a reference point on the national and international architectural circuit. To view the impressive projects that won – download of images, plans and memos at
www.dossierpremiosceramica.com. All of the information on the prize awards is online at
www.premiosceramica.com.
TRANS/HITOS
For the eighth year running the fair featured the TRANS/HITOS Architecture and Interior Design in Ceramic exhibit. The 2012 display has been subtitled “SPACES” because in it converge different groups which show architectural applications of ceramics, as well as new uses of ceramic tiles for both urban areas and for domestic areas.
CEVISAMA Lab
Internationally renowned architects, designers and interior designers have been involved in CEVISAMA’s Architecture and Design Forum since its inception. Over a three-day period the Forum turns the spotlight on experiences and projects centered on the use of ceramic tiles.
About Tile of Spain
In Spain, tile makers labor as they have for centuries – pushing their passion for design and innovation to new levels of artisanship. With one of the purest and strongest domestic clays available, Spanish manufacturers have an unparalleled ability to make the end product more diverse. From rustic handmade forms; to technical facades that cool buildings and clean the air; to the impossibly slim, sustainable recycled and ink jet masterpieces that fire the imagination. The Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturer’s Association (ASCER) is the private organization whose primary objective is to support Spain’s ceramic tile manufacturers and the industry as a whole by stewarding and promoting the Tile of Spain brand worldwide. A strong global leader, the ceramic tile industry of Spain comprises 200 manufacturers concentrated primarily in the province of Castellón. For more about tile produced in Spain, contact Tile of Spain Center at the Trade Commission of Spain, 2655 Le Jeune Road, Suite 1114, Coral Gables, FL 33134. Call 305-446-4387 or visit tileofspainusa.com
