Ceramic Tiles of Italy Green Forum

Surface and Size Meets Sanitary and Sustainable

REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE are three key words that will be heard around the world. Thanks to advances in technology, new slim formats use less material and help to REDUCE the Italian tile industry’s carbon footprint. Unlike previous years, the tendency is moving towards tiles that are 4-5mm thick as this size is strong enough for high-traffic floors and more sustainable to produce and ship. The compact thickness means it takes a smaller amount of energy and raw materials to produce and causes a lower level of harmful emissions to transport. In terms of installation, the slim format tiles can be laid over existing hard surfaces, therefore cutting down on construction costs and saving valuable time. This size is also an ideal surface solution for ventilated wall façade systems or radiant heating. In addition to innovative formats, the use of pre and post-consumer RECYCLED content is on the rise. Everything from raw waste to recycled glass from bottles and obsolete cathode ray tube (CRT) TV monitors is being REUSED and recycled back into the production process. Water, another key component in the process, is also being reused to preserve natural resources. Finally, manufacturers are moving towards packaging materials, including boxes, cardboards, plastics and crates that are completely recyclable.

Sustainable Products and Technological Innovations from Cersaie 2009

Recycled content and responsible production processes that reduce waste and water and lower energy consumption were top of mind for just about every Italian tile manufacturer at Cersaie. Addressing the sustainable movement head-on, many are actively promoting their green platform. Never complacent, the Italian tile industry is using state-of-the-art new technologies to produce more eco-friendly slim formats, new forms of solar paneling and even an antibacterial tile. MORE.

Designed and Produced Responsibly. Italian Tile Manufactures’ LEED-compliant products

There are many underlining factors that make tile a sustainable choice. To start, tile is an inert material manufactured from raw materials and will break down naturally at the end of its life. It is non-toxic and durable, boasting a lifecycle of over 50 years. In terms of production and responsible management, Italian tile manufacturers are organized in industrial districts and have direct control on the environmental and social impact of their manufacturing operations (air, water, waste) as well as the local trade of their products. MORE

Ceramic Tiles of Italy Encourages Green Building and Sustainability

The environmental commitment has long been a European standard, even before the eco-revolution took hold of the US market. The Italians were the first to begin with reducing their carbon footprint through state-of-the-art facilities, sustainable production and certifications including the prestigious European Eco-label (the European Union label certifying environmental safeguards), EMAS and ISO 14001. MORE

Ceramic Tiles of Italy has produced its "Green Card" - a quick guide which details the top 10 reasons when Italian ceramic tile is sustainable. Click here to download Ceramic Tiles of Italy Green Card

Media About Sustainable Italian Tiles

Floor Covering News. November 2009. Tile: How retailers can educate end users on being green.

TileLetter. August 2009. Ceramic Tiles of Italy encourages green building and sustainability.