Considering a new renovation or upgrade, you should know about innovative tile products. They can make a huge difference in your home’s aesthetic. You’ll find many different types with unique qualities, including glass tiles, natural materials, and even high-definition printing. These tile products can be used to make your kitchen or bathroom a more comfortable and stylish environment. And, since they’re durable and low maintenance, you can rest assured that your investment will last for years.
Ceramic
The ceramic tile industry is an ever-growing product category. Manufacturers are constantly innovating to keep up with consumer demand. Innovations in this space include the latest technology and design, including introducing new floor and ceramic wall tiles.
One of the most exciting trends is high-tech glazes, which make the tile shimmer and glow in the dark. Moreover, some manufacturers propose pieces suitable for hot months and even made to clean the air.
Another innovation relates to color schemes. Black and white ceramic tile is showing up in more patterns than expected.
A range of wood-inspired tiles also accompanies the trend. These are made to look and feel like natural wood but come in various sizes and finishes.
Some of the most exciting innovations in this space include the “Industrial” by Floor Gres from Florim Group, which reinterprets cement in porcelain slabs.
Other noteworthy innovations include the “Loges” by Casalgrande Padana, which replicates picture frames and directional cues. This collection aims to help visually impaired people navigate their way around a room.
The “Luce” tile collection is another excellent example. It combines a striking silk finish with a high-performance antibacterial glaze.
In addition, the ceramic tile industry has evolved into a more organized sector. Consumers are seeking more advanced solutions to renovate their homes. Retail specialty stores have contributed to the industry’s growth.
Across the globe, a growing residential replacement segment is driving the market. Several new construction project models are fueling the expansion of this segment. Furthermore, the ceramic tile industry is booming in North America. With increasing construction in the region, the market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% from 2020 to 2027.
High-definition printing
High-definition printing on tile products has increased in popularity. It is due to its ability to deliver crisper results and a wider variety of designs.
Digital printing on ceramic is a sophisticated method that imprints images onto tiles using thousands of nozzles. The tiles are created with minimal repetition, making them look as accurate as possible.
One of the most important benefits of digital inkjet technology is its ability to create virtually undetectable tiles from natural stone or wood. It allows for a greater variety of patterns, shades, and tones like artistic tile.
This new method is a breakthrough for the tile industry. With the advancement of digital inkjet printers, it’s now easier to add graphics to tile.
Using this technique, tiles can mimic the texture of stone, cement, and wood. You can also use photographs of genuine wood to create a realistic look for your tile.
Another benefit of this type of tile is that it’s a no-maintenance product. It is great for bathrooms.
Another advantage of inkjet printing is that it’s faster than screen printing. Since the inkjet system uses only a tiny number of rollers, the printer can process a more significant amount of tiles per hour.
Besides being environmentally friendly, inkjet printing is non-contact, which means there is no need for complex tooling, and it is highly automated. Inkjet prints are often less expensive than actual natural stone and tend to be less prone to staining.
HD printing on ceramic also allows for a higher resolution, which produces crisper images. Unlike the screen printing process, which has a high cost of ownership, digital printing on tile can produce various tile options.
Sustainability
The tile industry is pushing the envelope to produce sustainable tile products. Innovation and design are essential components of sustainability. However, choosing environmentally friendly products requires a more in-depth assessment.
Sustainable products are usually designed and manufactured to meet a specific standard. In addition, some products are made from recycled materials. They are also designed to be safer for the environment.
To be considered for green building certifications, products must have specific attributes. For example, a concrete block may contain pre-consumer recycled content.
Ceramics are a natural material. They are highly durable and energy efficient. This makes them a good choice for outdoor living spaces.
Green ceramic tiles are a great way to reduce carbon emissions. Their use of glass and industrial scraps also lowers the methane emitted into the atmosphere.
