report of activities 2009
DESCRIPTION
The Instituto de Tecnología Cerámica (ITC) began its long track record as the Instituto de Química Técnica de Formación Profesional at the University of Valencia in 1969. ITC is currently located in Castellón, where it pursues its activity at two headquarters: its central headquarters on the Riu Sec campus at Jaume I University (UJI), and its Alicer headquarters, Alicer being the ITC Area for Design and Architecture, located in downtown Castellón.TRANSCRIPT
REPORT2009 OF ACTIVITIESYEARS
index1. INTRODUCTION ...........................................................7
ITC Social Policy ......................................................................8
Facilities ....................................................................................8
Member Companies .................................................................9
2. ACTIVITIES ..................................................................15
R&D and Technology Consulting .............................................15
Public Projects ........................................................................15
Private Projects ......................................................................15
Technology Services ..............................................................16
Information and Documentation ..............................................17
Dissemination and Technology Transfer ..................................17
Training ...................................................................................18
Areas of activity ......................................................................18
Special actions .......................................................................19
Trans/hitos Exhibition of Architecture and Interior Design in ceramics .....................................................19
Ceramic Design Forum ...........................................................20
Ceramic Observatory ..............................................................20
Technology Observatory .........................................................20
Habitat Trends Observatory ....................................................21
Market Observatory ................................................................21
The Miguel Carda Grants in Ceramic Design and the Agustin Escardino Chair Grants in Ceramic Technology. ..............................................................22
Commemorative events of the 40th anniversary of the foundation of the Instituto de Tecnología Cerámica ................................................................................22
Tribute to Agustín Escardino Benlloch, founder of ITC .............22
Event commemorating the 40th anniversary of the ITC ...........23
Cycle of Lectures organised on the occasion of ITC’s 40th anniversary ........................................................23
Introduction
1
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Introduction
The Instituto de Tecnología Cerámica began its long track record as the Instituto de Química Técnica de Formación Profesional at the University of Valencia in 1969.
ITC is currently located in Castellón, where it pursues its activity at two headquarters: its central headquarters on the Riu Sec campus at Jaume I University (UJI), and its Alicer headquarters, Alicer being the ITC Area for Design and Ar-chitecture, located in downtown Castellón.
ITC’s principal mission during these 40 years has been that of providing solid support for the Spanish ceramic industry, which is essentially made up of small and medium-sized companies, with a view to promoting and enhancing their competitiveness in international markets. ITC acts as a technology partner for ceramics companies in order particu-larly to assist SMEs as these, precisely because they are SMEs, do not have the necessary technology, scientific and technical equipment, or human resources to carry out the R&D or Technology Transfer actions that lead to innovation and enhanced competitiveness.
In addition to the current environment in which the ceramic industry, just as many others, is undergoing the effects of the global financial crisis, the ceramic sector is also suffering from a painful crisis in the building industry, which direct-ly affects ceramics and has led to harsh adjustments, and worsened economic and social conditions.
Nevertheless, despite this difficult environment, the ceramic sector continues to be competitive and seeks to bundle forces in order not to lose its global leadership. ITC, as a knowledge-based organisation, places at the disposal of ceramics companies a broad spectrum of services, infrastructures, equipment, and qualified multidisciplinary human resources of great value, enabling these companies to lean on them, accessing the necessary strategic information in terms of markets, technology, environment, energy, and habitat trends, and helping the industry address the arising challenges and decide upon its strategies for the future with the greatest possible guarantees.
The Instituto de Tecnología Cerámica (ITC) is a concerted mixed institute, established by agreement between the Ceramic Industry Research Association (AICE) and Universitat Jaume I of Castellón. It has the support of the Institute of Small and Medium-sized Industry (IMPIVA) of the Department of Industry, Commerce, and Innovation of the Au-tonomous Government of Valencia, and is a member of the REDIT networks of Technology Institutes of the Valencia Region and of the Network of Valencian Universities for the promotion of Research, Development, and Innovation (RUVID).
8 / REPORT OF ACTIVITIES 2009
ITC Social Policy
ITC’s commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility has materialised in an active,
voluntary contribution to social, economic, and environmental improvement with regard to all its interest groups, inclu-ding suppliers, clients, students, and ceramics companies, business associations, and professionals, as well as other Research Centres and Universities, the mass media, society and, in short, all persons and organisations to which ITC relates by virtue of its activities.
Facilities
ITC has two headquarters, at which it pursues all its activities.
The ITC central headquarters on the Riu Sec campus at Jaume I University (UJI) consist of 7000 m2: ITC facilities in-clude workshops, laboratories, fully-equipped training rooms, a Conference Hall with a capacity of 120 persons, and a 600 m2 semi-industrial pilot plant fitted with technical equipment where ceramics companies can test their proto-types in order to detect any possible problems that might entail significant economic losses on scaling up production.
ALICER, the ITC Area for Design and Architecture, is located on the Avenida del Mar, in downtown Castellón, and ITC activities relating to design and the architectural applications of ceramics are carried out there.
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Member Companies
On 31 December 2009, ITC had 340 full member companies.
ABELLÓ LINDE, S.A.
ABSARA INDUSTRIAL, S.L.
ACRILATOS, S.A.
ADOBE CERÁMICAS, S.L.
AGC FLAT GLASS IBÉRICA,S.A.
ALCALAGRES, S.A.
ALCAN INTERNATIONAL NET-WORK
ESPAÑA
ALFA CERÁMICA Y PORCELÁNI-CO, S.A.
ALQUIMIA SOLUCIONES
AMBIENTALES, S.L.
ANFER CUATRO, S.L.
APAVISA, AZULEJOS Y PAVIMEN-TOS, S.A.
APLICACIONS TÈCNIQUES
MEDIOAMBIENTALS, S.A.
ARCE CERÁMICAS, S.L.
ARCILLA BLANCA, S.A.
ARCILLAS ATOMIZADAS, S.A.
ARCILLAS CASTELLÓN, S.L.
ARCILLAS DE BREDA, S.A.
ARCILLAS Y ARENAS REFRAC-TARIAS
PANDOLS, S.A.
ARENAS MINERALES, S.L.
ARENAS SILÍCEAS NUESTRA SEÑORA
DEL PILAR, S.L.
ASESORÍA EN CALIDAD J.L. SE-RRA, S.L.
ASISTENCIA TÉCNICA CERÁMICA, S.L.
ATOMIX, S.A.
ATOMIZADAS DE ALCORA, S.A.
ATOMIZADORA, S.A.
AZULEJERA ALCORENSE 1, S.L.
AZULEJERA LA PLANA, S.A.
(ALAPLANA CERÁMICA)
AZULEJERA TÉCNICA, S.A.
AZULEJOS ALCOR 1, S.L.
AZULEJOS EL MIJARES, S.L.
AZULEJOS PLAZA, S.A.
AZULEJOS SANCHÍS, S.L.
AZULEV, S.A.
AZULIBER 1, S.L.
AZULINDUS Y MARTÍ, S.A.
AZUVI, S.A.
BALAGUER MORENO, S.L.
BARBIERI Y TAROZZI IBÉRICA, S.L.
BENESOL, S.L.
BENTONITAS ESPECIALES, S.A.
BESTILE, S.L.
BIOMET SPAIN ORTHOPAEDICS, S.L.
BORAX ESPAÑA, S.A.
BORMIOLI ROCCO, S.A.
BP OIL REFINERÍA DE CASTE-LLÓN, S.A.
BROMATOS, S.L.
CALCINOR, S.A.
CAÑADA, S.A.
GRES DE ARAGÓN
CAOBAR, S.A.
CAOLINA, S.L.
CAOLINES LAPIEDRA, S.L.
CASA DEPOT, S.L.
CELULOSA DE LEVANTE, S.A.
CEMENT INVESTMENT, S.A.
CENIT CERÁMICAS, S.A.
CERACASA, S.A.
CERÁMICA ALCALÁ VILLALTA, S.A.
CERÁMICA COLLET, S.A.
CERÁMICA CUMELLA, S.L.
CERAMICA DA MOURA, S.L.
CERÁMICA DECORATIVA, S.A.
CERÁMICA DEL SURESTE, S.C.L.
CERÁMICA INDUSTRIAL
MONTGATINA, S.A.
CERÁMICA LA ANDALUZA DE BAILÉN, S.L.
CERÁMICA LA ESCANDELLA, S.A.
CERÁMICA LATINA, S.L.
CERÁMICA MAPISA, S.A.
CERÁMICA MERIDIANO, S.A.
CERÁMICA NULENSE, S.A.
STYLNUL, S.A.
CERÁMICA PIEROLA, S.L.
CERÁMICA RIBESALBES, S.A.
CERÁMICA SALONI, S.A.
CERÁMICA SUGRAÑES, S.A.
CERÁMICA TORREGROSA, S.L.
CERÁMICA TRES ESTILOS, S.L.
CERÁMICAS APEADERO Coop. V.
CERÁMICAS AZAHAR, S.A.
CERÁMICAS BELCAIRE, S.A.
CERÁMICAS BORJA, S.A.
CERÁMICAS CALAF, S.A.
CERÁMICAS CASAO, S.A.
CERÁMICAS DEL FOIX, S.A.
CERÁMICAS DIAGO, S.A.
CERÁMICAS FANAL, S.A.
CERÁMICAS GAYA, S.A.
CERÁMICAS HIJOS DE FRANCISCO MORATAL, S.A.
CERÁMICAS JORNET, S.A.
CERÁMICAS L‘ALCALATÉN, S.A.
CERÁMICAS MYR, S.L.
CERÁMICAS SEGOVIA, S.A.
CERÁMICAS VILAR ÁLBARO, S.L.
CERANCO, S.A.
CERATEC, S.L.
CERAWORLD CERÁMICAS, S.A.
CERFRIT, S.A.
CFM MINERALES, S.A.
CODIAGRO, S.A.
CODICER 95, S.L.
COLOR ESMALT, S.A.
COLORES CERÁMICOS
DE TORTOSA, S.A.
10 / REPORT OF ACTIVITIES 2009
COLORES CERÁMICOS ELCOM, S.L.
COLORES CERÁMICOS, S.A.
COLORES OLUCHA, S.L.
COLORIFICIO CERÁMICO BONET, S.A.
COLORKER, S.A.
COLOROBBIA ESPAÑA, S.A.
COLORONDA, S.L.
COMERCIAL QUÍMICA MASSÓ, S.A.
COMERCIAL SÍLICES Y CAOLI-NES DE
ARAGÓN, S.L.
COMPOSICIONES ARTÍSTICAS DE LA CERÁMICA, S.L.
CONSTRUCCIONES Y PROMO-CIONES BESURI, S.L.
CORINTIA ESMALTES CERÁMI-COS, S.A.
COSENTINO, S.A.
CRETAPRINT, S.L.
CRISTAL CERÁMICAS, S.A.
CTI GRINDING MEDIA, S.L.
CYGYC, S.A.
D’OLIVA TERRA, S.L.
DECOROIL, S.L.
DETALLES CERÁMICOS, S.L.
DISEÑOS ARTÍSTICOS E INDUS-TRIA, S.A.
DISTRIBUCIONES J. HIDALGO’S, S.L.
DUAL GRES, S.A.
EIRICH-MOLARIS, S.L.
ELITE CEMENTOS, S.L.
EMSA TECNOLOGÍA QUÍMICA, S.A.
ENDEKA CERAMICS, S.A.
EQUIPE CERÁMICAS, S.L.
ESMALDUR, S.A.
ESMALGLASS, S.A.
ESMALTES DEL SUR, S.L.
ESMALTES, S.A.
ESTUDIO CERÁMICO, S.L.
EUROATOMIZADO, S.A.
EUROMINERALES CERÁMICOS, S.A.
EUROMOLIENDAS, S.L.
EUROPEA DE MATERIAS PRIMAS, S.A.
EUROPEAN BUSINESS 2010, S.L.
EUSEBIO MEGIAS PLA
EXAGRES, S.A.
EXPERIENCIA CERÁMICA, S.A.
FABRICACIÓN ESPAÑOLA
SANITARIA, S.A.
FAENZA EDITRICE IBÉRICA, S.L.U.
FANTINI SCIANATICO IBÉRICA, S.A.
FERRAES CERÁMICA, S.A.
FERRO SPAIN, S.A.
FMC FORET, S.A.
FOMENTO DE RECURSOS
MINERALES, S.L.
FREEZE CAST EUROPA, S.L.
FRITTA, S.L.
FUNDACIÓN INNOVARCILLA GAROGRES, S.A.
GEOTECMA, S.L.
INGENIERÍA DE GESTIÓN MINERA E INDUSTRIAL
GLASS DECOR REVESTIMIEN-TOS, S.L.
GRECAT, S.A. GESTIÓ DE RESIDUS
ESPECIAL DE CATALUNYA
GRES BREDA, S.A.
GRES CID, S.L.
GRES DE ANDORRA, S.L.
GRES DE LA MANCHA, S.L.
GRES DE ONDA
GRES LA SAGRA, S.L.
GRES RÚSTICO EBRO , S.L.
GRESPANIA, S.A.
GRESPOR ESPAÑA, S.A.
GRUPO FRANCO. OBRAS Y PROYECTOS
GRUPO INDUSTRIAL CRIMIDE-SA, S.L.
HALCÓN CERÁMICAS, S.A.
HATZ SPAIN, S.A. (VENUS CE-RÁMICA)
HECALTO CONSTRUCCIONES, S.L.
HIJOS DE FRANCISCO GAYA FORÉS, S.L.
HISPANO ITALIANA DE REVESTI-MIENTOS, S.A.
IBERO-ALCORENSE, S.L.
IDEAL STANDARD, S.L.
IMERYS TILES MINERALS ESPAÑA, S.A.
IMPORT BEMASA, S.L.U.
INDUSTRIA DE TRANSFORMA-CIONES, S.A.
INDUSTRIAS ALCORENSES
CONFEDERADAS, S.A.
INDUSTRIAS CERÁMICAS BRANCOS, S.A.
INDUSTRIAS FINOR, S.L.
INDUSTRIAS QUÍMICAS DEL EBRO, S.A.
INGENIERÍA Y PROYECTOS
MEDIOAMBIENTALES, S.A
INICIATIVAS AGROINDUSTRIA-LES DE TERUEL, S.L.
INNOVACIÓN Y DECORACIÓN, S.L.
INZAMAC ASISTENCIAS TÉCNI-CAS, S.A.
ITACA, S.A.
ITALCERÁMICA, S.A.
JLQ ISMAF, S.L.
JOSÉ DURÁN FERNÁNDEZ
JOSÉ SÁNCHIS PENELLA, S.A.
JOVITALL, S.L.U
JUMILLANA DEL SILICE,S.L.
KAOSA, S.A.
KERABEN GRUPO, S.A.
KERAFRIT, S.A.
KERAMEX, S.A.
KERAMIA CERÁMICAS, S.L.
KEROS CERÁMICA, S.A.
L’ANTIC COLONIAL, S.A.
LA COMPAÑÍA THERON, S.A.
LA PLATERA, S.A.
LAGOA MATERIAS PRIMAS, S.L.
LAMBERTI IBERIA, S.A.U.
LEROY MERLÍN ESPAÑA, S.L. Sociedad Unipersonal
LIGNOTECH IBÉRICA, S.A.
LORDA Y ROIG, S.A.
LOSAS DE TERUEL, S.L.
LUFEMA, S.L.
MACER, S.L.
MAGNESITAS DEL RUBIAN, S.A.
MANUFACTURA INDUSTRIAL AZULEJERA, S.L.
MARAZZI IBERIA, S.A.
MARIO PILATO BLAT, S.A.
MAS VICENT INGENIEROS, S.L.
MATERIALES CERÁMICOS, S.A.
MAYÓLICA AZULEJOS, S.L.
MERCURY CERÁMICA, S.L.
MINERA SABATER, S.L.
MINERALES REFRACTARIOS, S.L.
MINERIA SASSOLESE, S.L.
MIURA CERÁMICAS, S.L.
MONTILLANA DEL MÁRMOL, S.L.
MOSAVIT ALCALATÉN, S.L.
MUEBLES JUMAR, S.L.
NALDA, S.A.
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NANOCHEM SAFETY SOLU-TIONS, S.L.
NATUCER, S.L.
NAVARTI CERÁMICA, S.L.
NEOS ADDITIVES,S.L.
NITROPARIS, S.A.
NOMAZUL, S.A.
NOULAS RESEVI, S.L.
NOVOGRES, S.A.
NUEVAS ATOMIZADAS, S.L.
NUEVOS PRODUCTOS CERÁMI-COS, S.A.
OMYA CLARIANA, S.L.
ONIX CERÁMICA, S.L.
PAMESA CERÁMICA, S.L.
PASTAS Y BARBOTINAS CERÁ-MICAS, S.A.
PAVIMENTOS PAVITEC, S.L.
PERONDA CERÁMICAS, S.A.
POLYCERAM, S.A.
PORCELAKER CERÁMICA, S.A.
PORCELANAS INDUSTRIALES, S.A.
PORCELANAS VALENCIANAS, S.A.
PORCELÁNICOS HDC, S.A.
PORCELANITE DOS, S.L.
PORCELANOSA, S.A.
PRODESCO, S.L.
PROYING XXI INGENIERÍA, S.L.U.
PUBLICA, S.A.
QMC TECNOLOGÍA QUÍMICA, S.L.
QUIMIALMEL, S.A.
QUÍMICA DEL ESTRONCIO, S.A.
QUIMICER,S.A.
RAUSCHERT ESPAÑA, S.L.
REAL CERÁMICA, S.A.
REALONDA, S.A.
RECICLADOS VICENTE MA-LLENT, S.L.
REFRACTARIOS ESPECIALES, S.A.
REFRACTARIOS FELIU, S.L.
REFRACTARIOS TEIDE, S.A.
RESACRIL, S.L.
REYVAL AMBIENT, S.L.
RIGHT MATERIALS, S.L.
ROCA SANITARIO, S.A.
ROIG CERÁMICA, S.A.
MINERO CATALANO ARAGONE-SA, S.A.
S.E. DE CARBUROS METÁLI-COS, S.A.
SAIN C.V.O., S.A.
SAINT-GOBAIN PLACO IBÉRICA, S.A.
SALQUISA-SAN ALF QUÍMICAS, S.A.
SANITANA ESPAÑA, S.A.
SANYC C.E.S., S.L.
SEFAR MAISSA, S.A.
SEPIOLSA, S.A.
SERVIQUIMIA, S.L.
SICER, S.L.
SÍLICES Y CAOLINES MARTÍ, S.L.
SILVANO LASSI, S.L.
SISTEMAS DE CONTROL EN LÍ-NEA, S.A.
SMALTICERAM ESPAÑA, S.A.
SNED NEO, S.L.
SOCIEDAD ESPAÑOLA DE TAL-COS, S.A.
SOCIEDAD ESPAÑOLA DE VI-DRIOS
ARTÍSTICOS, S.A. (SEVASA)
SONIA, S.A.
STIL CERÁMICAS, S.A.
STUDI FLAMA, S.L.
STYLGRAPH HISPANIA, S.L.
SUCESORES DE MANUEL GÓ-MEZ GÓMEZ Y CÍA, S.L.
SUGRAÑES GRES CATALÁN, S.A.
SUMINISTROS DE ARCILLA, S.A.
SUPERCERÁMICA, S.A. UNIPER-SONAL
SYSTEM ESPAÑA, S.A.
TABICESA, S.A.U.
TALLERES CORTÉS, S.L.
TALLERES DEL PUERTO, S.A.
TALLERES FORO, S.A.
TALLERES JOIS, S.A.
TALLERES MORTE E HIJOS, S.L.
TALLERES MOVIGI, S.L.
TAULELL, S.A.
TECNIGRES, S.A.
TEJAS Y LADRILLOS DEL MEDITERRÁNEO, S.A.
TENDENCIAS CERÁMICAS, S.L.
TERRACOTA PAVIMENTOS DE GRES, S.A.
TERREAL ESPAÑA DE CERÁ-MICAS,
S.A.U.
TEYGE, S.A.
THERMAL CERAMICS ESPAÑA, S.L.
TIERRA ATOMIZADA, S.A.
TIERRAS CASTELLÓN, S.A.
TMD FRICTION ESPAÑA, S.L.
TODAGRES, S.A.
TOGAMA, S.A.
TORRECID, S.A.
TOZETO, S.L.
TUROLGRES, S.A.
UBE CHEMICAL EUROPE, S.A.
ULTRADIMIUM, S.L.
UNDEFA 1, S.L.
UNIÓN DE FABRICANTES
AZULEJEROS, S.A.
UNISAN XXI, S.A.
UNISYSTEMS, S.A.
URALITA SISTEMAS DE TUBE-RÍAS, S.A.
URALITA TEJADOS, S.A.
URSA IBÉRICA AISLANTES, S.A.
VALENCIANA DE ZAHORRAS, S.L.
VEGA DEL MOLL, S.A.
VENIS, S.A.
VERNÍS, S.A.
VICAR, S.A.
VIDRES, S.A.
VIEJO VALLE, S.A.
VILLAGRASA, S.A.
VILLEROY & BOCH HOGAR, S.L.
VIVES AZULEJOS Y GRES, S.A.
WATTS BLAKE BEARNE ESPA-ÑA, S.A.
XIETA INTERNATIONAL, S.L.
ZIRCONIO, S.A.
ZSCHIMMER & SCHWARZ ES-PAÑA, S.A.
Activities
2
14 / REPORT OF ACTIVITIES 2009
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R&D and Technology Consulting
ITC performs a wide range of activities, aimed not only at solving day-to-day problems in production but also at breaking new ground for ceramics companies, thus enhancing their competitiveness by creating and developing new ceramic products, improving already existing ones, and increasing knowledge of manufacturing process stages as well as designing new manufacturing equipment and procedures, acting, in short, as a technology-generating Centre that enables companies to develop innovations.
Customised Technology Consulting, consultancy on quality, and eco-management also allow transfer of the technical and scientific knowledge produced by ITC research activity, while ITC also facilitates company access to its facilities and the use by ceramics companies of its equipment and infrastructures.
Evolution of projects 2007–2009
Public Projects
In 2009, a total of 52 public projects of own R&D, Technology Consulting, and Technology Transfer were carried out.
Private Projects
In 2009, a total of 74 projects with 71 ceramic sector companies were carried out under contract.
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Technology Services
ITC offers a series of Technology Services, which include the following:
Analyses and Tests: ITC offers companies more than 275 different types of analyses and tests; 16,886 analyses and tests were thus performed in 2009.
Finished Product Laboratory: A quality system, accredited by ENAC, assuring the laboratory’s competence as a Test Laboratory, has been in place at ITC since 1988. ITC has continued to extend the scope of its services offer and currently has the following accreditations:
Accreditation no. 2/LE0041. on ceramic tiles; flooring; ceramic, glass, and glass-ceramic containers; and fired clay materials (revision 8, issued on 27/07/07). For tests conducted by the Finished Product, Chemical Analysis, and Physico-structural Characterisation Laboratories.
Accreditation no. 2/LE1972. on sanitary appliances and bathtubs (revision 8, issued on 27/03/09). For tests con-ducted by the Finished Product Laboratory.
Accreditation no. 2/LE1973. on air emissions (revision 7, issued on 24/04/09). For tests conducted by the Environ-mental Unit and the Chemical Analysis Laboratory.
In addition, ITC has been certified by AENOR (Spanish Association for Standardisation and Certification): Certification no. SVT-0004/2008 on the Technology Watch in Ceramic Materials Technology (issued on 31/07/08). For the Tech-nology Watch activities performed by the Documentation Centre and the Technology Observatory.
Quality Assurance: the fundamental objective is to assure the implementation and ongoing improvement of the Quality System. After the adaptation of the system and the requirements of standard UNE-EN ISO/IEC170252000, which includes all those of standard ISO 9000:2000 in addition to scientific aspects relating to laboratory activities, the application of the Quality Management System is being extended to ITC’s other activities. The requirements defined in the UNE 166000 standards on R&D&I management will soon also be included. Thanks to the recognition agreements made, ITC collaborates with accreditation (ENAC) and certification (CSTB-AFNOR-AENOR) bodies in audits and technical consulting for maintenance of the necessary infrastructure to foster the development and continuance of quality certification (ISO 9000) and eco-management (ISO 14001) systems in ceramic sector companies.
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Information and Documentation
The ITC Documentation Centre attends to and manages the information and documentation needs that arise both at ITC and at ceramic sector and related companies.
The Documentation Centre has an appropriate methodology for locating information, organising it, and disseminat-ing it to users, using the most recent techniques and tools. In 2009, 241 new documents were registered and cata-logued, involving monographs, directories, etc. It may be noted that the Documentation Centre library contains than 9,505 books. In addition, 260 new technical standards and 334 patent documents were managed. The Documenta-tion Centre has 108 subscriptions to specialised publications, which are reviewed and catalogued. In 2009, 470 ap-plications for different types of information were handled.
Design and architectural applications (ALICER): In response to the current trend towards a comprehensive design concept that provides a consistent and synergic response to corporate policies and strategies, ALICER has collabo-rated with sector companies in various activities aimed at enhancing ceramic floor and wall tile quality, in addition to disseminating a design culture.
Dissemination and Technology Transfer
Technology Transfer is aimed at assimilating, applying, and adapting technology from other industrial production sectors to the ceramic sector.
Most SMEs in the ceramic sector cannot, by themselves, generate all the technology they need. ITC, therefore, fos-ters this activity by detecting needs or problems in industrial production.
In 2009, ITC further expanded and equipped its Research Results Transfer Office (OTRI), aware of the importance of the transfer of research results to the ceramic sector. The knowledge acquired by ITC researchers is disseminated through the publication of scientific articles in leading national and international journals. In 2009, 26 scientific articles were published and 29 communications and posters were presented at major national and international conferences.
18 / REPORT OF ACTIVITIES 2009
Training
Training is considered a high-priority issue at ITC for technical staff and researchers, both at ceramic sector companies and at ITC itself.
Research enables ITC technical staff to acquire new knowledge which they, in turn, disseminate in a practical form among the professionals in the ceramic sector. In addition, the Degree course in Chemical Engineering delivered at Jaume I University is the only one specialising in ceramic technology in Spain. And 80% of Chemical Engineering teaching is delivered by lecturers who are also ITC staff members.
Training actions are furthermore conducted to disseminate integral design and the latest advances in this field, focus-ing on ongoing design updating for communication, design, and marketing staff in ceramic sector companies, as well as on training new professionals.
In 2009, on the initiative of ITC, 23 training courses were delivered, attended by 302 students. ITC technical staff also attended 64 training events (seminars, conferences, courses, and workshops) on subjects relating to ITC research lines.
Areas of activity
Ceramic tiles ›
Roofing tiles and bricks ›
Frits, glazes, and raw materials ›
Ceramic pigments ›
Trims and third-fire products ›
Machinery ›
Porcelain, majolica, ›and earthenware
Ceramics distribution ›
Architecture and interior design ›
Spray dryers, clay and related ›materials
Advanced ceramics ›
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Special actions
Trans/hitos Exhibition of Architecture and Interior Design in ceramics
TRANS/HITOS is the generic name of an Exhibition that is held at CEVISAMA (in Valencia, Spain), one of the two most important ceramics trade fairs worldwide (the other being CERSAIE, held in Bologna, Italy), which provides a wide-ranging and versatile ceramics offer displayed in an original, unconventional way by the multidisciplinary team in ALICER, the ITC Area for Design and Architecture. The Exhibition, initially programmed for the period 2005–2007, and later extended for a second term from 2008 to 2010, has over these years put forward the latest novelties in the ceramic sector, displaying the potential of ceramics, together with their creative capabilities, grounded in an approach focusing on the new uses of ceramic materials and their applications in architecture. TRANS/HITOS promotes con-nections between ceramics and architecture, design and technology, the product and the habitat, manufacture and experimentation, placing creativity at the service of enhancement of the environment.
The 2005 event was held under the slogan: ‘New paths in ceramics’ and featured the collaboration of architect Ra-mon Monfort and interior designer Lola Lago; the 2006 Exhibition was entitled: ‘Symbiosis’ and featured the partici-pation of architect Benedetta Tagliabue (of EMBT architects) and interior designer Francesc Rifé. The 2007 event, entitled ‘Atmospheres’, featured architects Teresa Sapey and Juli Capilla. The year 2008 witnessed the beginning of a new cycle in the TRANS/HITOS Exhibition which, as all transgressing manifestations, needed to reinvent itself. The name changed, and became the ‘Exhibition of Architecture and Interior Design in ceramics’ and, thanks to the back-ing of the Department of Industry, Commerce, and Innovation of the Autonomous Government of Valencia, IMPIVA, and the European Fund for Regional Development (EFRD), the support of the Spanish Ceramic Tile Manufacturers’ Association (ASCER), the collaboration of the DDI, and the CEVISAMA organisation itself, the Exhibition re-created a series of microhabitats under the slogan ‘Nomads’, based on adaptability, sustainability, mutual support, and interac-tion criteria, etc., highlighting centuries-old practices that have enabled nomads to survive in sometimes very hostile environments.
The 2008 TRANS/HITOS Exhibition featured the collaboration of architect teams Paredes Pedrosa and Roldán+Berengué.
The 2009 event, called ‘Networks’, featured architect José Durán and architecture study Entresitio.
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Ceramic Design Forum
Created in April 2008, the Ceramic Design Forum (CDF) seeks to support designers in the ceramic sector, pursuing issues of common concern and, jointly, breaking new ground and opening up novel avenues of progress and inno-vation in ceramics-related design and creativity. At present, over 300 designers from different companies and study Centres have registered.
Ceramic Observatory
The Instituto de Tecnología Cerámica, committed to enhancing the competitiveness of the ceramic industry, created the Ceramic Observatory, which is a competitive intelligence system articulated in three specialised platforms: the Market Observatory; the Technology, Environment, and Energy Observatory; and the Habitat Trends Observatory. The main actions undertaken in 2009 by the Ceramic Observatory have been as follows:
Technology Observatory
In 2009 the Technology Observatory organised three events for the ceramic sector.
‘Ist Technology Workshop for ceramic machinery companies’, aimed at ceramic machinery builders. ›
‘Technology Watch: a drive to success’, for companies linked to the ceramic sector. ›
‘Functional effects in third-fire ceramic products’, for decoration companies, which included the presentation of a ›report drawn up for those companies.
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Habitat Trends Observatory
The year 2009 witnessed publication of the monograph ‘New ways of dwelling’. This study analyses the new family units or households that have arisen in recent years, highlighting the particular needs of families and households, ranging from different habitat solutions to what the individuals in each unit are looking for in products. Critical information has thus been generated to enable companies to adapt to emerging needs. Dissemination actions have been performed, such as the ‘Wake Up’ seminar, which updated trends and was held in the frame of the Habitat trade fair in Valencia. The Habitat Trends Observatory also participated in several training activities, such as workshops on the application of trends and seminars disseminating the possibilities of ceramics in the embodiment of those trends.
Market Observatory
The aim of the Market Observatory is to become the main, albeit obviously not the sole partner of management teams in ceramics companies and in Associations representing Spanish ceramics, in their market-related decision-making processes.
In 2009, the Market Observatory drew up the 5th edition of the Report on the Annual Competitive Position in market-ing and sales for ceramic tile manufacturers.
The study of the ceramics end-consumer, conducted in 2008, materialised in the publication and dissemination of the 3rd edition of the Report on Coverings Consumers in Spain.
The Market Observatory also worked with the Association of ceramic and construction materials distributors in order to generate a system for collecting quarterly information in the study of branch sales, and published the first report on the evolution of sales in the sector in 2007–2009.
A further project that commenced was the Market Forum, this being a dissemination point for the communication of Market Observatory reports and a meeting point and venue for exchanging ideas in Marketing and Management of the different industries in the ceramic sector value system. Noteworthy activities in 2009 included lectures by Alex Ro-vira (‘Confidence, commitment, and quality’) and Alberto Artero (‘The 10 oversights that led to the crisis’).
A hypersector report was drawn up on the habitat industries, in collaboration with other Technology Institutes (AI-DIMA, AIJU, and AITEX).
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The Miguel Carda Grants in Ceramic Design and the Agustin Escardino Chair Grants in Ceramic Technology
On the initiative of ALICER, the ITC Area for Design and Architecture, through the Ceramic Design Forum, the 2nd edition was held of the Miguel Carda Grants in Ceramic Design. The grants, each amounting to 553 euro, were awarded to 6 students studying Product Design at the Escola d´Art y Superior de Disseny of Castellón (EASD). The grants corresponding to the Training Cycle of the Higher Degree in Ceramic Floor and Wall Tiles were not awarded, since none of the students met the requirements.
On the other hand, the Council of Directors of the Agustín Escardino Chair charged with monitoring the Agustín Es-cardino Grants in Ceramic Technology, in its 2nd edition, unanimously awarded a total of 5 grants to students in the first year of Chemical Engineering at Universitat Jaume I, while they also awarded grants to the best grades in the last year of this degree course, each grant covering the total cost of enrolment. A sum 350 euros was further added to this amount when the students involved passed 80% of the credits for which they had enrolled.
Commemorative events of the 40th anniversary of the foundation of the Instituto de Tecnología Cerámica
Tribute to Agustín Escardino Benlloch, founder of ITC
To commemorate the 40th anniversary of its foundation (at the University of Valencia in 1969), ITC organised a num-ber of events and activities. To be noted, in particular, was the tribute to the founder of the Institute, Agustín Escardi-no, held on 16 September 2009 at the Auditorium and Conference Centre in Castellón.
This was conceived as an academic event, in which more than 300 people participated. Many were members of uni-versities from all over Spain, in addition to Universitat Jaume I teachers, as well as relatives, friends, companions, and ITC staff.
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The event commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Instituto de Tecnología Cerámica’s founding was chaired by Francisco Camps Ortiz, President of the Autonomous Government of Valencia.
The institutional event commemorating ITC’s 40th anniversary was held on 9 November 2009, at the Auditorium and Conference Centre in Castellón, chaired by the Right Honourable President of the Autonomous Government of Valen-cia, Francisco Camps Ortiz. The event was further attended by the President of the Castellón County Council, Carlos Fabra Carreras; the Mayor of Castellón, Alberto Fabra Part; the President of the Ceramic Industries Research Asso-ciation (AICE), Joaquin Piñón Gaya; the Director of the Instituto de Tecnología Cerámica, José Luis Amorós Albaro; and the Director of AICE, Carlos Feliu Mingarro, who acted as master of ceremonies.
In the course of that event, the work done by ITC, as a driving force of the Spanish ceramic tile manufacturing indus-try, which is located practically in its entirety in Castellón province, was highlighted.
About 300 people attended the gala, including members of the AICE Councils and members of the ALICER Board, ALICER being the former Association for the Promotion of Industrial Ceramic Design and today the ITC Area for De-sign and Architecture, as a result of the merger of the two organisations in 2006. In addition, the event was also at-tended by a number of leading personalities from the realms of politics, business, culture, and academe.
The event concluded with the presentation to the President of the Autonomous Government of Valencia of a com-memorative engraving of ITC’s 40th anniversary, specifically, number 1 of 200 engravings made by artist Amat Bellés i Roig from La Pobla Tornesa (Castellón), who also made a limited series of 300 lithographs for the occasion.
The event was rounded off with an invited lecture by economic analyst Juan Fernández-Aceytuno, entitled ‘Manage-ment in times of crisis’.
Cycle of Lectures organised on the occasion of ITC’s 40th anniversary
Starting in October 2009, and for practically all 2010, ITC programmed a Cycle of Lectures that included the fields of Science and Ceramic Technology, Architecture, Design, and Innovation in Communication, Marketing, and Economics.
The Cycle began on 27 October 2009 with writer, lecturer, and consultant Alex Rovira as first guest speaker. That lec-ture was entitled ‘Confidence, commitment, and quality’.
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In the Science Week from 10 to 17 November 2009 organised by ITC, devoted on this occasion to ITC’s 40 years of activities and evolution in ceramics innovation, a number of informative activities were held at ITC relating to ITC’s pur-suit of innovation in ceramics. The activities included guided visits, an exhibition of innovations in ceramics, screening of audiovisuals, practical demonstrations, and the creation of an Internet microsite, among others.
During the Science Week, in the Cycle of Lectures scheduled for ITC’s 40th anniversary, Adolph Fernandez, expert in nanotechnologies from the Nanotechnology Unit of the Materials Institute of Oviedo (ITMA) delivered the lecture ‘Industrial Applications of Nanotechnology’, while Vicente Lázaro, Head of the ITC Technology Observatory, delivered the lecture ‘Application of Nanotechnology to Ceramics’.
A lecture entitled ‘The 10 oversights that led to the crisis’ was delivered by financial analyst Alberto Artero, better known by the pseudonym Sherman McCoy, on 26 November at ITC.
On 10 December 2009, ITC received Pilar Aguar, member of the Nanotechnologies Unit of the European Commission and currently member of the Commission’s Group of Added-Value Materials. She delivered a lecture entitled ‘Nano-structured materials in a knowledge-based economy’.
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