EXPO REVESTIR is one of the largest ceramic tile and stone shows in the world and this year’s event exceeded all expectations. EXPO REVESTIR 2010 was held in March in São Paulo, Brazil, and over 45 000 visitors attended the event – a record in the show’s eight-year history.

Brazilian tile industry is recovering
“Last year, even when the world crisis was at its worst, EXPO REVESTIR surpassed all expectations for attendance, business and attractiveness. 2010 will be no different. We are confident that the event will keep up its innovative pace, solidifying its importance in the market. In terms of business, we expect 10% growth in comparison with the previous edition,” says President of the exhibition Antonio Carlos Kieling.

According to www.builderonline.com, Brazilian tile makers are predicting that 2010 will bring back the explosive growth that this industry has been seeing for the past five years. Although exports dropped by 25% from 2008 to 2009, the mood amongst exhibitors was upbeat and optimistic due to a 15% growth  prediction for Latin America’s domestic construction sector.

Organisers estimate that roughly US$ 150-million in business will be generated from the 181 exhibitors who presented their latest covering trends and engineering, architectural and decorative product solutions. “The Forum Tecnargilla is extremely important to discuss the essence of the clay industry around the world,” says Kieling.


Trends seen in Brazil
EXPO REVESTIR 2010 is one of the most important events in the ceramic tile industry. Lauro Andrade Filho, REVESTIR’s Director, said the exhibition is a springboard for many companies in the coverings sector. “As the exhibition is Architecture and Construction Fashion Week, EXPO REVESTIR draws the attention of all of the professionals and businessmen operating in this sector; they’ve got their eyes open for the latest in design and technology, colours, textures and formats. The thousands of products from nearly 185 exhibitors will set the tone for the sector during the year,” explains Filho.

Thin rules supreme
One of the interesting new innovations in the tile industry was very thin tiles, ranging from as thin as 3,5 mm. Tiles by Eliane were available in exclusive large formats (up to 1 m x 3 m) and only 3,5 mm in thickness. Another exhibitor displayed large porcelain tiles (80 cm x 80 cm; 90 cm x 180 cm and 100 cm x 100 cm), showcasing a trend in porcelain tiles which gives wider spaces a cleaner look and a new way to design walls and floors.

Unlimited design possibilities
Digital printing in tiles has also come to revolutionise the aesthetics of porcelain tiles. A collection by Portinari showcased a range of new digital printing technologies that proved the advantages of having a high resolution image (HD), unlimited visual variation (Infinity Design) and prints of high and low relief (3D) images.

Mosaics and features
EXPO REVESTIR also paid tribute to exciting developments in the textured mosaic sector. Cerâmica Antigua displayed its “Faentino” mosaic line, which features pieces that are both recycled and hand-painted. INTI launched its “Verona” collection line of mosaics, which included floral motifs that were created from a mixture of Travertino Romano Bruto (material and white glass with bubbles). The textured mosaics create an elegant array of textures in which every element can be seen, but most notably through the shine and satin contrast in the glass floral motifs. Many of these mosaic tiles are intended for internal and external walls, making them both decorative and highly functional.

Artists’ palettes
Another popular trend at the exhibition was designer tiles such as those presented by Ceramica Bardelli. The entirely handmade decorated pieces were produced in different colour variants with self-coloured backgrounds and specialised, intricate drawings. All elements are hand-painted and various opaque finishes, decorative themes and creative dimensions of the tiles drew a lot of attention.

Besides the individual tile ranges, companies and manufacturers also astounded crowds with their inspiring tile booths. From booths with touch-screen TVs, virtual catalogue displays of new collections, interactive showcases, pop-up displays to artistic stands designed by international architects, EXPO REVESTIR 2010 continued to amaze designers, architects, builders, retailers and exporters.

Although the new technologies, exciting developments and intricate creative pieces made EXPO REVESTIR 2010 a highlight in the ceramic industry, the functional properties of the new collections show that the exhibitors are thinking of the practical implementation of their work. “All of the tiles I saw could be sold directly off the exhibition floor,” says Walls&Roofs editor Marlene van Rooyen. “It was the subtle elements that made the new tile collections popular and the technologies incorporated all lead to better, more functional and aesthetically appealing tiles. These tiles can be used everywhere,” concludes Van Rooyen.

Revestir Tile & Stone Expo
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