Posted by Kathy Harrigan — July 22, 2024 — With 600+ international exhibitors, facility managers (FMs) and architecture and design professionals at this year’s International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings (CERSAIE) in Bologna, Italy, can expect to see thousands of debut tile products that offer new design possibilities for large commercial spaces. For FMs and other specifiers, CERSAIE highlights the durability, versatility and inherent hygienic and sustainable qualities of ceramic and porcelain tile that make these materials especially appealing for commercial use (details below).
Attendees of CERSAIE, the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings. Image courtesy of CERSAIE
Featuring acclaimed international speakers, CERSAIE is the only fair in the world with 12 past Pritzker Prize-winning speakers, with the 13th soon to be announced for the 2024 edition. In addition, other extraordinary learning opportunities will be available for design professionals through the fair’s “Building, Dwelling, Thinking” series, a robust conference schedule with renowned international speakers in the field of architecture and design.
CERSAIE will once again host Tiling Town — a premier destination for accredited training in tile laying. With nearly 500 square yards of space in Hall 32, visitors at this year’s show will have the chance to attend technical seminars, talks, and live tile installation demos showing new format techniques for large formatted tiles and gauged porcelain tile panels, for large-scale wall and floor installations, that continue to push the boundaries of design and innovation in the Italian ceramics industry. Applications range from thin, floor-to-ceiling ceramic wallpaper effects to glamorous wall-mounted porcelain sinks and washbasins.
Benefits of ceramic and porcelain tile
Along with its stunning aesthetic quality, ceramic and porcelain offer durability, versatility and inherent sustainable qualities, making these materials especially appealing for commercial use. The knowledge that these materials can withstand the wear and tear of high-traffic environments, combined with the availability of durable, large-format sizes, makes ceramic and porcelain tile an ideal choice for large commercial spaces.
Stunning ceramic and porcelain tiles are durable, naturally hygienic and inherently sustainable. Image courtesy of CERSAIE
Ceramic and porcelain tiles are naturally hygienic and easy to sanitize and clean. They are ideal, long-term surfacing materials that are inherently nontoxic and better for indoor air quality (IAQ). Ceramic and porcelain tiles are made of natural raw materials and do not contain PVC, phthalates, or vinyl chloride. These natural materials do not emit harmful volatile organic compounds or chemical off-gassing, making them one of the most sustainable and healthy surfacing choices on the market.
Additionally, many Italian manufacturers consider sustainability when developing their production methods. They implement rigorous measures — such as reusing and recycling 100% of production waste products — to reduce natural resource consumption and minimize environmental impact.This effort has led to many new products receiving EPD, LEED and Greenguard certifications as well as B Corp certification for a growing number of Italian tile companies.
Tile Competition showcases inspiring projects
Ceramics of Italy’s Tile Competition invites design professionals to submit projects that use Italian ceramic and porcelain tile from Ceramics of Italy brands. Initially launched as two separate programs, The Ceramics of Italy Tile Competition for North American project submissions and La Ceramica Progetto for European project submissions, the two programs have been combined into one global competition to celebrate the exceptional and inventive use of Italian tile across multiple project categories.
Promenade Tower, Atlanta, GA, by architecture/design firm TVS, one winner of the 2023 North American Tile Competition. Image courtesy of CERSAIE
The competition will operate on an alternative basis, with one year dedicated to European projects and the following year for North American projects. The North American cycle of the Ceramics of Italy Tile Competition will open later this year. Visit tilecompetition.com to learn more.
About Bologna, Italy
Apart from the show and its status as the heart of the Italian ceramics industry, Bologna is dubbed Italy’s culinary capital. The City of Bologna is a remarkable cultural and architectural destination with its historic, UNESCO World Heritage Site-protected streetscapes, landmarks and porticos.
CERSAIE takes place in Bologna, Italy, a cultural and architectural destination. Image courtesy of CERSAIE
About CERSAIE
Founded in 1983, CERSAIE attracts 100,000+ visitors from over 160 countries annually. It offers design and building professionals an incomparable window into the newest trends, formats, innovations, and cutting-edge installation techniques in ceramic tile and sanitaryware and the opportunity to cultivate meaningful connections. With hundreds of exhibitors showcasing thousands of products, CERSAIE offers the latest design and color trends in ceramic and porcelain tile products.
Learn more at CERSAIE or register here to attend.
