Press release N°8

Modena, 9 may 2006

Kromatech, a focus on colour

The exhibition of ceramic colour trends will be further expanded at Tecnargilla 2006. Four halls will provide a comprehensive showcase of decoration technologies

Kromatech 2006, the focus section of Tecnargilla on colour, creativity and aesthetic trends in the ceramic industry, is being further expanded. At this year’s show there will be four halls devoted to glaze and colour producers, graphic design companies, screen printing laboratories, raw materials suppliers and in general all companies that supply know-how and technologies for ceramic decoration.

The 20 thousand square metre exhibition space will provide a comprehensive picture of the state of the art of technological systems for the production of tiles, sanitaryware and tableware, making this the world’s largest exhibition of products, services, design and research for the ceramic sector.

The four halls (D5, D7, B5 and B7) – one more than in 2004 – will host about a hundred exhibitors including sector leaders such as Colorobbia, Torrecid, Itaca-Esmalglass, Fritta, Assoprint, Johnson Matthey, Newton Serigrafica, Ceramco, Metco, Vidres, Bonet, T.e.m.a, Sicer, Vernis, Wendel, Imerys and WBB Minerals.Alongside glaze and colour producers, there will also be third fire decoration laboratories, graphic, artistic and design consulting agencies, screen printing workshops, suppliers of products and equipment for screen printing, glazing and decal applications, and producers of raw materials for glazes. The Kromatech section of Tecnargilla (International Exhibition of Technologies and Supplies for the Ceramic and Brick Industries organised by Rimini Fiera SpA in cooperation with Acimac) was opened in 2002 to underscore the crucial role of this sector in the field of aesthetic innovation. The 2006 edition will be held in Rimini from 28 September to 2 October.

“Kromatech 2006 reflects the synergy between the world of plant engineering, manufacturing goods and materials,” explained Armando Meletti, vice chairman of Ceramicolor, the Italian association of manufacturers of colours, glazes and pigments for the ceramic industry. “We can expect to see a return to colour after years in which minimalism eroded colour ranges. The main trend will be the use of colour to create a sensation of well-being. Ceramic must establish a role as the key element of furnishing and customisation of the home.” Two years on, Kromatech is seeing further growth and reflects the state of progress of technological systems for tile production. “The expansion from three to four halls reflects the importance of this showcase at both a national and an international level. It is the ideal platform for glaze and colour producers to showcase their products and business strategies to customers and potential buyers.”

To complement the range of offerings at Kromatech for the professionals most directly involved in developing new ceramic products, again this year the European Design Institute of Milan will be organising Ceramic Workshop exhibitions, one of which will focus on future colour and materials trends inspired by the world of fashion, furnishing and advertising.

Italy and Spain will be the two best represented countries, reflecting their role as the world leaders in the production of ceramic glazes and colours.

According to figures published by Anffecc, the Spanish ceramic glaze manufacturers’ association, in 2005 the Spanish companies in the sector reported a total turnover of around 911.9 million euro, with more than 58% generated by exports.

Italy, with a about thirty companies and groups, has seen a slight fall in its turnover to 530 million euro.

For information:

For further information

Dora Carapellese – Simona Storchi

Tecnargilla Press Office

Tel. +39 059 827780, fax +39 059 827319, e-mail:

Organised by: Rimini Fiera SpA, via Emilia 155, 47900 Rimini, Italy.

Exhibition Manager: Romina Magnani

Tel. +39 059 334627, Fax +39 059 828453. email:

In cooperation with:ACIMAC, Italian Ceramic Plant and Machinery Manufacturers’ Association. Via Carlo Zucchi 21/a, 41100 Modena. Tel. +39 059 826268, fax +39 059 827319