CERSAIE, the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings, will take place in Bologna, Italy, the heart of the Italian ceramics industry, from September 23-27, 2024. Founded in 1983, the exhibition attracts 100,000+ visitors from over 160 countries annually. With 600+ international manufacturer exhibitors, the show offers design professionals an incomparable window into the newest trends, formats, innovations, and cutting-edge installation techniques in ceramic tile and sanitaryware, along with the opportunity to cultivate meaningful connections.
Shown above: Shape by Ceramica Fondovalle; photo credit: Ceramica Fondovalle
Attendees at this year’s show can expect to see thousands of tile introductions – from thin, floor-to-ceiling ceramic wallpaper effects to glamorous wall-mounted porcelain sinks and washbasins – that offer new design possibilities for the kitchen and bath. These products also showcase the latest design and color trends in ceramics, including hues like nature-inspired greens and ocean blues to soft pastel pinks and sunny yellows, as well as three-dimensional small formats and highly realistic stone and marble-effect surfaces and use innovative through-body veining technologies.
Sensi Fantasy by ABK; photo credit: ABK
Inspiration abounds as Italian tile manufacturers feature new and notable applications. As a naturally hygienic, easy-to-clean, and stain- and scratch-resistant material, porcelain tile is becoming a top surfacing choice for kitchen countertops. On top of this, Italian manufacturers have developed groundbreaking technologies; from through-body veining techniques that showcase intricate details throughout the entire thickness of the tile slab to invisible porcelain cooktops with integrated induction systems. With sizes ranging up to 5.25 x 10.5 feet, these tiles can be laid in one piece or easily cut to size for countertops to coordinate perfectly with surrounding surfaces for a wholly seamless design look. In the bathroom, prefabricated sinks, washbasins, and tailor-made vanities are also on the rise in Italian ceramic design.
Anima Beige by Materia; photo credit: Material
Cersaie 2024 exhibitors will also highlight the inherent benefits of the material. Along with its stunning aesthetic qualities, ceramic and porcelain offer exceptional durability and versatility. Made of natural materials, tile does not contain PVC phthalates, and vinyl chloride or emit harmful volatile organic compounds – making it one of the healthiest surfacing choices for kitchen and bath environments on the market The conversation around sustainability will take center stage Italian manufacturers have long been leaders in responsible production, implementing rigorous measures – such as reusing and recycling 100% of waste products in production – to reduce the consumption of natural resources and thereby minimize their environmental impact. This has led to many new products receiving EPD, LEED, and Greenguard certifications as well as Declare labels and B Corp certifications for a growing number of Italian tile companies.
Graffiti by Ceramica Rondine; photo credit: Ceramica Rondine
In addition to the 155,000 square meters of exhibition space, Cersaie is the only fair in the world to have hosted keynotes with 12 Pritzker Prize-winning speakers with the 13th speaker confirmed for this year. A myriad of educational learning opportunities will be available for design professionals as part of the fair’s “Cersaie Designs Your Home” and “Building, Dwelling, Thinking” series, which features a robust conference schedule with renowned international speakers in the field of architecture and design. The fair will also once again host Tiling Town – the premier destination for the world of tile laying. With more than 400 square meters 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 techniques for large-format tiles, intended for wall, floor, countertop, and custom furnishing use.
Aquatio by Casalgrande Padana; photo credit: Casalgrande Padana
Apart from the show, the city of Bologna – dubbed Italy’s culinary capital – is a remarkable cultural and architectural destination. Visitors will be immersed within its historic, UNESCO World Heritage Site-protected streetscapes, landmarks, and porticos.
Register to attend CERSAIE 2024 this fall and discover why Italian ceramics/porcelains are the sustainable, performance material solution for the kitchen and bath.
