What are the most interesting trends you've seen emerge over the last few years?

LARGE SIZES: OUR REALITY

Large and thin tiles are definitely a reality for ceramic tile manufacturers, and we can see that they are more and more used every day. We are seeing their use not only in floors, but also walls, and even as tables or hotel counters. The production process itself has become more effective with the use of advanced machinery and modified clay additives.

CERAMIC TILES EVERYWHERE

We could start to see some peaks of this trends in previous years, but from 2021 (year) we could really feel that tiles can be used anywhere! Tile producers are becoming very creative as to where to use decorative ceramics. Now tiles are not only used to dress-up walls and floors in the bathroom, but there are so many other original places where we can find decorative tiles.

360-degree Ceramic kitchens

Kitchens look a lot different than what they used to. We could see ceramics used in traditional ways in walls and floors, but also as huge, long countertops where chefs were cutting vegetables and meat right on top of them – no need to use a cutting board anymore! However, the most striking thing we saw were the induction cooktops integrated inside the actual ceramic slab. It is aesthetically very clean and so practical! We loved it

SUPER HIGH-DEFINITION PRINTING

One of the things that we have been more struck about is the quality of the printing. We have seen an incredible improvement in this area. High-definition printing is used to create more “artistic” wall and floor tiles and to imitate stone, wood and more natural materials, creating incredible pieces that you wouldn't think they are printed until you actually touch them. Also, more sustainable water-based inks are coming into scene, and we think that this will develop further in the coming years.

ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CERAMICS

As we mentioned, especially in the field of printing we are seeing a transition from oil-based to more sustainable materials. But there are other areas where we see increasing efforts towards environmentally friendly alternatives. There is a trend to make more sustainable tiles to reduce CO2 emissions to avoid energy costs and according to the experts, more efficient kilns are key to achieve the targets set. Also, the use of more sustainable additives that reduced the use of oil-based chemicals, would help us reduce our contribution to global warming.

INDUSTRY

Full integration along manufacturing and sales processes has been one of the main market demands for decades. Process is now automated and completely integrated to provide customers with the best product possible. Digitalization is not only affecting to process control and integration, but it is also affecting to the way design and marketing. High-Definition printing heads make it possible to make incredible mural designs and nature imitations and new digital technologies are implemented in websites to create your own space so you can imagine how your kitchen will look like using that specific brand's tiles.

These are some of the trends we found interesting

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3 industry trends to keep an eye on by Simpolo Ceramics