The ITC Formula: Thoughtful and Reflective Design

The more than 50 years of existence of the Technological Institute (ITC) praise a prestigious trajectory in the Spanish ceramic sector. And now, in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis, one of the most competitive sectors of Spanish industry proposes a "much more thoughtful and reflective” interior design.

"It's time to become part of the Anti-Excess culture by dedicating quality time to the creative process and increase the standard of design taking into account the entire life cycle of products,” explains ITC. They also add that the keys to this are based on analyzing the changes in the socio-cultural and consumer environment to find out the most suitable design lines for products following a pattern of "intelligent design" and "360º creativity."

In fact, the Institute goes one step further in terms of changes by pointing out that spaces such as homes began to adapt "to the new rules of the game" from the beginning of the confinement. "Today's home is under the pressure to be more flexible than ever, assuming multiple roles and functions throughout the day. Enabled by technology and flexible working systems, our home now spans entire worlds, from the office, the spa, the gym and everything in between. A home defined by ideas such as versatility, multitasking and transformation," they stress.

Likewise, ITC believes that the COVID-19 crisis will bring the market closer to a trend based on care and health "without losing aesthetic taste or responsibility for a more sustainable world." Therefore, the Institute expects many brands to focus on producing and developing products, materials and technologies aimed at maintaining a healthy environment, such as "antibacterial and antiviral” devices or products "capable of sterilizing spaces in general."

In these new trends, Spanish ceramic companies have an important partner whose main function is the generation of knowledge. The Institute, -and cooperation with the University-, is a fundamental support for companies, especially in the region of Castellón, which hosts the cluster where 80% of the companies of the Spanish ceramic sector are located.

In this direction, the Institute is working on a total of 7 strategic lines in which they carry out activities aimed at further developing the tile and ceramics sector.  These lines begin with the development of products for buildings and also for adapting cities to climate change; they continue with customized products for end users and the creation of new materials, especially ceramics; and result with projects aimed at the circular economy, the low-carbon industry and industrial processes.

Support to Companies and R&D Commitment

In addition, the Institute continues to develop another major line of work: support to companies. "We continue to visit the factories if so required [...] and, in addition, we continue to offer them information through activities that have been transmitted from the face-to-face to the online mode, such as, for example, webinars and courses," says ITC.  The ultimate goal sought, is that "now, more than ever, companies can have their needs fulfilled,” they explain.

Likewise, part of this support and development to the ceramic sector is also materialized in certifications - like the prestigious ENAC Accreditation - and in cooperations with other Spanish and international entities such as REDIT, FEDIT, RUVID or the European INVINN Institute; international contests like the Interlaboratory Rounds, or solidarity initiatives like the collaboration with the Coronavirusmakers.  

The line of fundamental help and support to companies culminates with R&D investment, through which they develop materials and technologies. The Institute points to the "important role" of ceramics in new discoveries based on inks or coatings that are implemented on the surface of the ceramics and that give the product "self-cleaning, anti-fog, anti-bacterial or biocidal," properties, among others.