Nov 6 2007
Maintaining a CAGR of more than 8% over the analysis period, the global ceramic tiles market is forecast to reach over 102 billion square feet by 2010. Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan), with a CAGR of 11.7% over the aforementioned period, is projected to emerge as the fastest growing region for ceramic tiles. Asia-Pacific, with an estimated share of 62.5% in 2007, dominates the global ceramic tiles market.
Using the newly developed whole-body decoration technology, manufacturers can streamline their production process and create porcelain tiles that resemble natural stones. Natural stones have steadily increased in popularity, both in residential as well as commercial projects over the last few years. Consumers are particularly attracted to the natural colors and texture, which spreads a feeling of warmth in the environment. High price and maintenance are the two reasons that drive the customer away from choosing the material. A ceramic tile that imitates the looks and feel of natural stone is proving to be the apt replacement of stones for nature loving consumers. Ceramic tiles are considered to enhance the interiors of homes and offices, for which design is a major factor that influences buyers' decision, followed by price. The manufacturers have created these stone resembling tiles by using a range of glazing techniques, but the result was a tile that resembled a stone only on the surface. Once the superficial surface was scratched, the look and feel of a stone disappeared from the tile. The new technology overcomes this shortcoming by imparting the decoration throughout the body of the tile. The technology uses a mix of variegated ceramic powders and an advanced filling system to produce tiles that resemble natural stones such as marble, travertine and granite.
Technological developments have aided in increasing color shades and variety of tiles available in the market. Earlier only a few shades that replicate marble were available. Development of multi-screen and roto-drum technology has made it possible to manufacture tiles that replicate stone. Ceramic tiles are now available in large array of sizes, formats, and designs.
The comprehensive research report titled "Ceramic Tiles: A Global Strategic Business Report", published by Global Industry Analysts, Inc., analyzes similar market trends with hard-to-find data and analytics for key regions such as the United States, Europe, Japan, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East. The report discusses the prevailing trends, new product developments, consumption patterns, demand forecasts, mergers, acquisitions, and other strategic industry activities affecting the ceramic tiles industry, and is an easy guide to What, Why, When, How, Where, and Who of the industry.
Major players profiled and discussed in the report include Boral Ltd, Cecrisa, Ceramiche Atlas Concorde, Ceramika Tubadzin II, Cerypsa Ceramicas, Chlumcanske Keramicke Zavodylocal, Cristal Cerámica, Crossville, Dal-Tile International / Mohawk Industries, Eagle Brand Holdings, Eliane Revestimentos Ceramicos, Florida Tile Industries, Florim USA, Gainey Ceramics, Grupo Industrial Saltillo, Grespania, Grupo Uralita, Gruppo Ceramiche Ricchetti, H & R Johnson Tiles Limited, Ilva, Imerys, Internacional De Ceramica, Iris Ceramica, Kajaria Ceramics, Lamosa Revestimientos, Lira Keramika, Malaysian Mosaics Berhad, Mannington Mills, Marazzi Group, Modena Pacific, Maristela, Nitco Tiles, Pilkington Group, Portobello, Quiligotti Access Flooring, Regency Ceramics Limited, Roca Sanitario, Sanex, Sun Earth Ceramics, Toto, and Villeroy & Boch among several others.