A History between Tradition and Innovation

The challenge of Iris Ceramica Group is to spread the concept of authentic and sustainable beauty around the world, expressed through the value of superior innovative materials.

The Group’s surfaces are the result of a value formula that relates creativity and technology, beauty and quality, sustainable development and corporate social responsibility, economy and ecology.

De Castillia 23, Fiandre Architectural Surfaces, 2019, From the collection of: Museo Storico Iris Ceramica Group
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Falcon Tower, Iris Ceramica, 2012, From the collection of: Museo Storico Iris Ceramica Group
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Expoforum in Saint Petersburg (2015) by Fiandre Architectural SurfacesMuseo Storico Iris Ceramica Group

 A vocation for innovation and sustainability


For Iris Ceramica Group, the strong drive for innovation and sustainability that has always marked its production since the very beginning is a decisive distinctive element guiding all the company’s strategic decisions.

Automation of the production processes and lines (1967) by GranitiFiandreMuseo Storico Iris Ceramica Group

 Production automation

Production began in 1961 at Ceramica Castellarano Cotto Rosso Forte, with “unglazed tiles”. The automation of the production lines was the first revolutionary innovation, aiming to increase productivity in the plants.

Iris single-firing plant (1984) by Iris CeramicaMuseo Storico Iris Ceramica Group

 Single-fired tiles, the revolution of the manufacturing process

Single-fired tiles marked a radical transformation in the manufacturing process. In 1978, the Edilcarani plant began to full-cycle production, from crushing to firing glazed ceramic bodies at temperatures reaching 1200 °C.

"The earth of your home" (1975) by Iris CeramicaMuseo Storico Iris Ceramica Group

Semigres

The Seventies were marked by the appearance of a new and versatile material: Semigres by Iris Ceramica marked the birth, development and success of Italian ceramic flooring. 

Marmi MaxFine Collection (2011) by FMG Fabbrica Marmi e GranitiMuseo Storico Iris Ceramica Group

FMG-Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti

In 1998 came FMG-Fabbrica Marmi e Graniti, the perfect synthesis of Italian aesthetic tradition and the full development of technical ceramics. Blending respect for the environment with industrial research, the first full-bodied materials were born. Nature is reproduced in the factory.

The Maxi Slabs production begins (2010) by Iris CeramicaMuseo Storico Iris Ceramica Group

 Large Formats

An achievement of the purest architectural forefront: these large surfaces (up to 3m x 1.5m) revolutionised the practical horizons of ceramic materials. Freedom of interpretation for materials, and new design scenarios blending colours, textures and design.

Shape Your Ideas advertising campaign (2014) by FMG Fabbrica Marmi e GranitiMuseo Storico Iris Ceramica Group

Shape Your Ideas

Design Your Slabs technology was born (2017) by Iris CeramicaMuseo Storico Iris Ceramica Group

 Design Your Slabs: limitless creativity

Design Your Slabs (DYS) exploits pioneering technologies to bring on-demand customisation of ceramic slabs.  All ideas can take shape, down to the smallest detail, on ceramic surfaces designed to be unique.

Design Your Slabs Technology was born (2017) by Iris CeramicaMuseo Storico Iris Ceramica Group

Design Your Slabs

The Active 2.0 technology was born (2017) by Active SurfacesMuseo Storico Iris Ceramica Group

Active Surfaces®

The eco-active Active Surfaces® have antibacterial and antiviral, anti-pollution, anti-odour and self-cleaning properties. A patented, 100% Italian technology focusing on personal well-being while respecting the environment.

Il Veneziano Collection (2021) by Fiandre Architectural SurfacesMuseo Storico Iris Ceramica Group

Il Veneziano

Il Veneziano celebrates one of the most original creations of the 16th century Venetian craft school, in full-body ceramic. Fiandre thus blends Italian style with pioneering technology, creating materials with high technical and aesthetic potential.

Sapienstone Kitchen Countertop (2016) by Iris CeramicaMuseo Storico Iris Ceramica Group

"Dress your kitchen" with SapienStone

SapienStone establishes itself in the kitchen design by combining aesthetics, innovation and quality. The search for international trends and the attention to details are ideal for those who want a nice kitchen from a visual point of view but also to live with.

Sapienstone brand's debut (2016) by SapienstoneMuseo Storico Iris Ceramica Group

SapienStone

Dress your kitchen

Entrepreneurs of the year, Iris Ceramica, 2017, From the collection of: Museo Storico Iris Ceramica Group
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Romano and Federica Minozzi receive the Innovation Prize at the 21st edition of the “Businessperson of the Year” award, organised in Milan at the Palazzo della Borsa Italiana by Ernst&Young, for constant investment in innovation and experimentation, researching new opportunities beyond the confines of ceramics.

Seventyonepercent brand makes its debut (2019) by Iris CeramicaMuseo Storico Iris Ceramica Group

Seventyonepercent

In 2020 came Seventyonepercent, the wellness&bathroom experience in 4 furnishing complement collections blending design and sustainability, produced in partnership with Paolo Castelli, a leading name in high-end hotels and luxury retail.

Hypertouch (2021) by Iris CeramicaMuseo Storico Iris Ceramica Group

Hypertouch

In 2021 the patent was obtained for Hypertouch, the innovative capacitive surface that enhances the functions of design beyond the imagination. Touching the ceramic surface, Hypertouch activates an integrated system of automated sensors to control lighting, heating, audio-video systems and windows.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.

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