From fine food to the latest fashions, Italians have influenced the world in a number of artistic mediums, including tile. And for those in the know, Cersaie, the annual tile and bathroom furnishing show held in Bologna, Italy, is the place to see the latest and greatest in tile innovation. Despite the economic challenges felt across the globe, the 2009 edition did not disappoint in product showings, which will most certainly inspire kitchens and baths on these shores, nor in attendance, which, at approximately 83,137 visitors, saw a dip of only 2 percent from 2008.


ITALY BECOMES GREENER

In contrast to last year's show, this year, almost every tile manufacturer displayed new collections that incorporated eco-friendly elements. To reduce waste, as well as energy and water usage, a number of Italian tile manufacturers have begun practicing more sustainable manufacturing processes and recycling raw material into their products. "There's a lot of green out there," said Marcello Becchi, director of business development for Trend, which launched several collections that contain recycled glass. "Italian tile manufacturers have thought it through." Many of them have seriously considered their role toward the environment, recently joining the Green Building Council Italia and the U.S. Green Building Council. These manufacturers are taking the initiative to reuse post-consumer and post-industrial waste. Novabell, for example, is able to reuse 100 percent of water derived from the production cycle process.

[1] Novabell's Must
Made from 40 percent recycled content, this collection of ceramic floor tiles is a must for residential spaces. Inspired by the use of well-worn cement, the surface is created to appear elegant and timeless. It comes in five colors—gray, sand, mauve, black and white—and formats such as 45 cm x 45 cm, 44.6 cm x 44.6 cm and 30 cm x 60 cm.

[2] Trend's Karma
Inspired by the brightness of the decorative windows in Gothic cathedrals, Karma, which is made of 75 percent post-consumer recycled glass, combines tradition and technology. A special plated film gives unexpected shades to the color of glass. It comes in 28 colors and traditional square shapes.

[3] Impronta Ceramiche's Sands
Made from 45 percent post-industrial recycled materials, this assortment of wet-colored tile body mixes is available in different textured surfaces, including rough textured surfaces inspired by sand dunes. This collection features a range of colors, including shades such as pale white, beige, tobacco and dark gray.




















TO BE CONTINUED

Many of the trends showcased at last year's Cersaie once again turned heads in 2009. Italian tile manufacturers continued experimenting with technological advances in the production process to impact the size of the tile to create slimmer formats. The compact thickness is durable enough for high-traffic floors and can be laid over existing surfaces. Another lasting technological development is altering the appearance of tile to take on the look of other surfaces such as wood and wallpaper. And another trend that remains popular among manufacturers is offering tiles that are adorned with geometric patterns, colorful florals and classic flora-themed silhouettes.

[4] Refin's Skin
The thickness of this slim porcelain stoneware is only 4.8 mm thick with the same technical and resistance features of standard thickness porcelain stoneware tiles. Its reduced thickness allows for an installation onto pre-existing coverings. Sizes include 30 cm x 60 cm, 60 cm x 60 cm and 60 cm x 120 cm.

[5] Dom's Tonic Tile
Montreal-based designer Catherine Braconnier follows the inspiration of colors, shapes and embossed motifs of the 1970s. This collection was developed in a 25-cm x 50.2-cm size for wall tiles and 33.3-cm x 33.3-cm size for floor tiles.

[6] Lea's Bioessenze
Ideal for flooring, this collection of porcelain tile conveys the appearance of wood. The look of finishes, such as teak and wenge, are reproduced as a result of Lea's Full HD technology.

































[7] Cotto d'Este's Kerlite Oaks collection
Replicating wood surfaces, this wood ceramic collection combines the benefits of hi-tech ceramic with an appealing aesthetic. Kerlite Oaks will not scratch, wear or change its color over time and it's easy to install.

[8] Cedir's The One Interiors
This collection consists of lapped and rectified colored porcelain tile that enhances the appeal of ceramic. It features the Fiore series, a floor and wall covering material created by applying dry steel and glass granules directly in line.

[9] Laminam's Oxide Collection
This aesthetically appealing collection combines the characteristics of Italian ceramics with the advanced technology by Laminam used to produce large and ultra-thin slabs.


































Next year, Cersaie 2010 will be held in Bologna from September 28 to October 2. For more information, visit www.cersaie.it.