Iris Ceramica is Born
Romano Minozzi’s business venture in the world of ceramics began in 1961 in two large plants (6000 sqm) in via Ghiarola Nuova between Sassuolo and Fiorano.
First Iris Ceramica logo
The company deserved a name and a symbol that already on its debut in the world of ceramics transferred its values. Iris evokes a flower from the shores of the creek near to Modena, a soil that is already clay, and is an acronym for “Industria Rivestimenti Italiani Sassuolo”.
"Economy = Ecology"
A concept that the Founder expressed back in the 1970s, reminding everyone that respect for nature is an essential point of reference for the Group.
Pollution 1972
Pollution 1972 - for a new aesthetic of pollution - is a revolutionary artistic project reflecting on pollution, as an act of political, social and environmental accusation.
Humus Volume Uno
In 1973 the first number of Humus was published: a magazine about the culture, strategy and technology of ceramics edited and distributed by Fondazione and curated by Gianni Sassi and Sergio Albergoni of the agency Al.Sa.
Castellarano Fiandre Acquisition
A decisive moment happened in 1987: Iris Ceramica took over Castellarano Fiandre. The brand GranitiFiandre appeared in 1989.
Entrance of Matimex
Matimex marks the entrance of Iris Ceramica Group in the made in Spain.
Trading since 1973 in the heart of the Spanish ceramic district, by joining the Group Matimex acquires greater visibility achieving higher results in Spain, Portugal and Mexico.
Ariostea joins the Iris Ceramica Group
Ariostea was acquired by Iris Ceramica Group in 1993. From the very outset, Ariostea has always been a great technological workshop, where up-to-the-minute solutions and materials are created.
FMG Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti division is born
In 1998 the company presented a large collection of marbles and travertines produced in-house. The new materials immediately amazed the public with their beauty and rich colors.This was captured in the name FMG - Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti, perfectly identifying the new materials.
Porcelaingres was founded
Porcelaingres was founded in 2003 and since then, the company has been producing slabs in absolutely high quality ceramic materials. In Vetschau (Germany) the company has one of the most modern manufacturing facilities in Europe.
Foundation of Stonepeak
After the investment in Germany, the biggest step ever: the first Iris Ceramica Group factory in the USA.
The first production plant out of Europe: Stonepeak headquarters is located in Chicago, while the production plants is in Tennesse.
Active Surfaces® eco-active ceramics are here (2009/2009) by Fondazione Iris Ceramica GroupMuseimpresa
Active Surfaces® eco-active ceramics
With their antibacterial and antiviral, anti-pollution, anti-odour and anti-dirt properties, the eco-active materials Active Surfaces® improve people’s well-being in a sustainable way. The “Food Contact” certification demonstrates their safety in direct contact with food.
SapienStone brand's debut (2016/2016) by Fondazione Iris Ceramica GroupMuseimpresa
SapienStone brand's debut
SapienStone was the first brand to specialise in the design and production of full-body porcelain kitchen countertops with finitures that give to the surfaces a more realistic look that is unmatched in any other material.
Romano and Federica Minozzi acknowledged at the 21st "EY"
Romano and Federica Minozzi acknowledged at the 21st “EY entrepreneur of the year” awards.
Design Your Slabs technology was born
DYS - Design Your Slabs is the most comprehensive, flexible decorating solution for ceramic slabs. All that can be imagined by designers can become a decorative element on a high performance material such as technical ceramics.
Iris Ceramica Group at the Biennale of Venice (2018/2018) by Fondazione Iris Ceramica GroupMuseimpresa
Iris Ceramica Group at the Biennale of Venice
The Iris Ceramica Group makes its debut at the Biennale of Venice as technical sponsor of the Italian Pavilion, a decision motivated by the desire to celebrate one of the world’s most prestigious showcases of architecture and support for the values inspiring the project.
Pollution - RefleAction (2018/2018) by Fondazione Iris Ceramica GroupMuseimpresa
Pollution RefleAction
Pollution RefleAction 2018 was realized with Mario Cucinella and the SOS School of Sustainability promoting a collective experience that allows us to reimagine urban spaces with which man enters into synergy.
Fondazione Iris Ceramica Group was born (2019/2019) by Fondazione Iris Ceramica GroupMuseimpresa
Fondazione Iris Ceramica Group was born
The Fondazione Iris Ceramic Group was established in 2019 on the initiative of Romano Minozzi and his daughter Federica. A non-profit organization intended to promote environmental protection, sustainable development and social cohesion.
Iris Ceramica Group Zero Emission of VOCs
Zero Emission of VOCs is a mission that Iris Ceramica Group has pursued with a view to reconciling the production with the well-being of citizens living close to the production plants.
Seventyonepercent brand makes its debut
71% is the percentage of the earth covered by water, the exchange and symbiosis at the base of everything.The perfect balance. Based on this idea, Seventyonepercent is born: a Brand of bathroom furnishings combining sustainability with the constant study of design and materials.
The Sustainability Report of Iris Ceramica Group
For the Iris Ceramica Group, the Sustainability Report is an important message with strategic value, a transparent account of the guidelines it has adopted in the areas of social responsibility and sustainability policies. The report has been prepared in accordance with GRI Standards.
Iris Ceramica enters the register of historic brands of national interest (2021/2021) by Fondazione Iris Ceramica GroupMuseimpresa
Iris Ceramica enters the register of historic brands
An important recognition for Iris Ceramica Group, as the Iris Ceramica brand enters the Register of Historic Brands of national interest.
Hypertouch (2021/2021) by Fondazione Iris Ceramica GroupMuseimpresa
Hypertouch
Iris Ceramica Group presents Hypertouch, the innovative capacitive surface that enhances design functions beyond imagination. In 2022 Hypertouch won the Wallpaper award, confirming to be among the innovative solutions for the future of the smart home.
17th International Architecture Exhibition at the Biennale in Venice (2021/2021) by Fondazione Iris Ceramica GroupMuseimpresa
17th International Architecture Exhibition Biennale in Venice
The Group renewed its commitment at this international event as sponsor of the Italian Pavilion. The Group surfaces bring life to the installation Cyberwall, curated by Alessandro Melis, the star of the section focusing on the relationship between man and the environment.
The exhibition “Ceramics: Neverending Artworks" (2022/2022) by Fondazione Iris Ceramica GroupMuseimpresa
The exhibition “Ceramics: Neverending Artworks"
Iris Ceramica Group organised and promoted the exhibition “Ceramics: Neverending Artworks” in Milan and London. 23 ceramic works by 12 artists and designers who narrate the aesthetic, artistic and manufacturing dimension of ceramics.
Partnership with the MIT Technology Review for The Green Future Index 2022
Iris Ceramica Group announces the partnership with the MIT Technology Review for The Green Future Index 2022. The study classifies 76 countries and territories according to their progress and commitments undertaken for a green future.
Cradle to Cradle
Iris Ceramica Group’s Italian-manufactured materials obtain Cradle to Cradle Certified® Silver certification issued by “The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute”, which promotes the production of innovative materials and products that work towards the circular economy.
The "Corpi di Luce" exhibition in Milan (2022/2022) by Fondazione Iris Ceramica GroupMuseimpresa
The "Corpi di Luce" exhibition in Milan
“Corpi di Luce” is the exhibition, curated by Iris Ceramica Group for the Design Week 2022, which blends design, fashion, photography and the cinematographic arts to tell of the noble and eclectic nature of ceramics.
Federica Minozzi on the cover of Forbes Italia
Forbes Italia dedicated its July cover and an in-depth interview to Federica Minozzi, CEO of Iris Ceramica Group, defining her as “The Queen of Ceramics” and introducing her as an example of business success.
4D Ceramics are born (2022/2022) by Fondazione Iris Ceramica GroupMuseimpresa
4D Ceramics are born
4D Ceramics is an ambitious project, in which the fourth dimension embraces the Group’s values, impressed in the body of matter. In particular, the SapienStone brand is able to best translate the expressive potential of the new ceramic dimension.
The Iris Ceramica collection Bottega d’Arte is born
Iris Ceramica presents Bottega d’Arte, a high-end red body coverings project that rediscovers craft values. The recovery of an ancient know-how combined with the use of a strictly traditional natural material is the basis for this project.
The book "Per un Manifesto della nuova ceramica"
The book “Per un Manifesto della nuova ceramica” by Irene Biolchini is published with the support of the Group. The meeting between the productive and artistic worlds leads to an anthem of sustainable beauty, for a new poetics of 21st century ceramics.
Iris Ceramica Group Flagship Store in Milan (2020/2020) by Fondazione Iris Ceramica GroupMuseimpresa
ICG Gallery
Milan, Berlin, London, New York and Barcellona are the cities of the Group’s main showrooms.
Meeting places to reach out, seek inspiration and information, and fuel creativity; a genuine point of reference for a community which revolves around the world of architecture.
