Towards the decarbonization of tile industry through an innovative semi-wet granulated technology for porcelain tiles

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B NEXT Mediterranean Sea Basin (NEXT MED)

Date of latest update: 2026-06-25

Description

Description (EN):

PROJECT TYPE: 1 - Thematic projects ~ MAIN INTERVENTION FIELD: 029. Research and innovation processes, technology transfer and cooperation between enterprises, research centres and universities, focusing on the low carbon economy, resilience and adaptation to climate change ~ SUMMARY: INNOVATILE aims at scaling up an innovative semi-wet granulation technology for porcelain tiles in order to create a more sustainable process for ceramic tile manufacturing which is an energy and resource intensive process. With the help of this technology and in alignment with UNSDG and European Green Deal policies, INNOVATILE expects to reduce energy demand by 30-35%, raw materials and water consumption by 10-20%, and greenhouse gas emissions by 30-35%. Additionally, it will allow to replace feldspar which is a critical raw material in the EU. Within the project, after validation research, a pilot implementation will be performed with an end user then followed by replication in another country. Environmental analysis and comparisons with traditional manufacturing processes will be conducted. The developed inventory of secondary raw materials (SRMs) will be beneficial for not only tile manufacturers but also for other industries by providing information on locally available SRMs. The HypocarbonTileTech network, a pioneering initiative on decarbonization, and its platform will be established to foster collaboration among stakeholders which are all actors of the value chain. The network's activities aim to raise awareness and initiate collaboration on decarbonization, renewables, circular economy, and waste management. These efforts will target various audiences, starting from students and researchers to industry professionals. Additionally, policy documents will be generated and disseminated to public authorities to ensure a long lasting and sustainable impact of the project results and the network. The Interreg area represents one of the world's main ceramic tile producing regions, hosting four of the top ten largest producers: Spain, Italy, Türkiye, and Egypt. The impact of INNOVATILE’s technology will achieve a wider effect as these four countries are represented in the consortium, enabling INNOVATILE to engage with the world’s largest tile manufacturers ~ KEEP KEYWORDS: Energy efficiency, Green technologies, Innovation capacity and awareness-raising

Expected Achievements (EN):

Management coordination Communication and dissemination CODE: SO1ER1 ~ SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE: To support for transnational testing and development of technologies and for the uptake of technology and technology transfer to target an hypocarbonic tile manufacturing industry ~ EXPECTED RESULT: -Reduced energy, carbon emissions and critical raw materials consumption by innovative semi-wet granulate preparation technology in tile manufacturing -Developed replicability and technology transfer as well as established long-term networking activity CODE: SO1ER1 ~ SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE: To support for transnational testing and development of technologies and for the uptake of technology and technology transfer to target an hypocarbonic tile manufacturing industry ~ EXPECTED RESULT: -Reduced energy, carbon emissions and critical raw materials consumption by innovative semi-wet granulate preparation technology in tile manufacturing -Developed replicability and technology transfer as well as established long-term networking activity CODE: SO1ER1 ~ SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE: To support for transnational testing and development of technologies and for the uptake of technology and technology transfer to target an hypocarbonic tile manufacturing industry ~ EXPECTED RESULT: -Reduced energy, carbon emissions and critical raw materials consumption by innovative semi-wet granulate preparation technology in tile manufacturing -Developed replicability and technology transfer as well as established long-term networking activity CODE: SO1ER1 ~ SPECIFIC OBJECTIVE: To support for transnational testing and development of technologies and for the uptake of technology and technology transfer to target an hypocarbonic tile manufacturing industry ~ EXPECTED RESULT: -Reduced energy, carbon emissions and critical raw materials consumption by innovative semi-wet granulate preparation technology in tile manufacturing -Developed replicability and technology transfer as well as established long-term networking activity

Project outputs: (1.1) Project meetings(EN)
(1.2) Monitoring and evaluation plan(EN)
(1.3) Technical Manual on reporting and financial procedures(EN)
(1.4) Quality and risk management strategy(EN)
(1.5) Progress Reports(EN)
(2.1) Kick-off Event is held in Spain(EN)
(2.2) Communication Plan is produced.(EN)
(2.3) Inception, Interim and Final Video are produced.(EN)
(2.4) A3 size Poster is prepared.(EN)
(2.5) Website is updated regularly.(EN)
(2.6) Social media communication is performed.(EN)
(2.7) Final Event(EN)
(2.9) Online and printed Communication materials are produced and disseminated.(EN)
(2.10) Communication with media is performed.(EN)
(2.11) Pilot Visits for Highschool and University students are organized(EN)
(3.1) Technology of the semi-wet process for porcelain tile is optimized(EN)
(3.2) Materials for the hydrocarbon process with feldspar replacement are developed(EN)
(4.1) Pilot scale of innovative technology is implemented(EN)
(4.2) Technical report for evaluation of monitoring and replicability is prepared(EN)
(5.1) Technical report on the environmental optimization of the proposed innovation is produced(EN)
(5.2) Technical report on the environmental performances of the novel technology is produced(EN)
(6.1) Networking and Awareness Raising workshops are organized(EN)
(6.2) HypocarbonTileTech Network for the decarbonization of the ceramic tile industry is developed(EN)
(6.2) HypocarbonTileTech Network for the decarbonization of the ceramic tile industry is developed(EN)
(6.3) Demonstration and Innovation Weeks are organized(EN)
(6.4) Policy Recommendations are prepared and disseminated(EN)
(6.5) Sustainability of the project and the HypocarbonTileTech Network is studied.(EN)
Website: https://www.interregnextmed.eu/project-page/innovatile/about/

Thematic information

Innovation capacity and awareness-raising Green technologies Energy efficiency

Priority: (VI-B_MSB_1) Priority 1: A more competitive and smarter Mediterranean

Priority specific objective: RSO1.1. Developing and enhancing research and innovation capacities and the uptake of advanced technologies

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO1 A more competitive and smarter Europe by promoting innovative and smart economic transformation and regional ICT connectivity

Type of intervention: 029 Research and innovation processes, technology transfer and cooperation between enterprises, research centres and universities, focusing on the low carbon economy, resilience and adaptation to climate change

Partners (7)

Lead Partner: UNIVERSITAT JAUME I DE CASTELLÓ

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ESQ6250003H | PROFIT MAKING: False ~ STATUS PUBLIC: True

Department: The Instituto Universitario de Tecnología Cerámica (IUTC)

Address: AV. VICENT SOS BAYNAT, S/N, 12006 Castellòn, Spain

Legal status: public

Organisation type: N.a.

Website: http://www.uji.es

Total budget: EUR 820 680.64

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 730 405.76

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 89.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 90 274.88

Contractors:

Name: Copistería FORMAT, S.L.
VAT registration or tax identification number: B12221123

Çanakkale Teknoloji Geliştirme Bölgesi A.Ş.

Name: Çanakkale Teknoloji Geliştirme Bölgesi A.Ş.

Partner’s ID if not PIC: Canakkale-6595 | PROFIT MAKING: True ~ STATUS PUBLIC: False

Address: Sarıcaeli Koyu, Çanakkale Teknopark YerleskesiCanakkale, Turkey

Legal status: private

Organisation type: N.a.

Website: http://www.canakkaleteknopark.com

Total budget: EUR 190 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 169 812.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 89.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 20 988.00

المركز المصري للابتكار والتنمية التكنولوجيا

Name: المركز المصري للابتكار والتنمية التكنولوجيا

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 1198 | PROFIT MAKING: True ~ STATUS PUBLIC: False

Address: 4 Baghdad Street, Agamy Alexandria, Egypt

Legal status: private

Organisation type: N.a.

Website: http://www.ecitd.org

Total budget: EUR 206 712.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 183 973.68

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 89.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 22 738.32

بقفصة للمهندسين الوطنية المدرسة

Name: بقفصة للمهندسين الوطنية المدرسة

Department: Department of Chemical, Industrial and Mining Engineering

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 00216 76 21 06 73 | PROFIT MAKING: False ~ STATUS PUBLIC: True

Address: University Campus of Sidi Ahmed Zarroug - 2112, 2112 Gafsa, Tunisia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: N.a.

Website (not verified): http://www.eniga.rnu.tn

Total budget: EUR 159 060.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 141 563.40

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 89.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 17 496.60

ΑΤΛΑΝΤΙΣ ΠΕΡΙΒΑΛΛΟΝ ΚΑΙ ΚΑΙΝΟΤΟΜΙΑ ΛΤΔ

Name: ΑΤΛΑΝΤΙΣ ΠΕΡΙΒΑΛΛΟΝ ΚΑΙ ΚΑΙΝΟΤΟΜΙΑ ΛΤΔ

Department: NA

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 10112301L | PROFIT MAKING: True ~ STATUS PUBLIC: False

Address: Ioanni Grypari 2, , 1090 Nicosia, Cyprus

Legal status: private

Organisation type: N.a.

Website: http://www.atlantis-consulting.eu

Total budget: EUR 216 785.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 192 938.65

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 89.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 23 846.35

Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II

Name: Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II

Department: Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 00876220633 | PROFIT MAKING: False ~ STATUS PUBLIC: True

Address: Corso Umberto I – , 80125 Napoli, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: N.a.

Website: http://www.unina.it

Total budget: EUR 248 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 220 720.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 89.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 27 280.00

Kaleseramik, Çanakkale Kalebodur Seramik San. A.Ş.

Name: Kaleseramik, Çanakkale Kalebodur Seramik San. A.Ş.

Department: Kaleseramik R&D and Technology

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 2234201010000366017060900 | PROFIT MAKING: True ~ STATUS PUBLIC: False

Address: Cumhuriyet Mahallesi, Demirci Sk. No:1, 17400 Canakkale, Turkey

Legal status: private

Organisation type: N.a.

Website: https://www.kale.com.tr

Total budget: EUR 958 538.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 853 098.82

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 89.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 105 439.18

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Canakkale Technology Development Zone Inc.

Towards the decarbonization of tile industry through an innovative semi-wet granulated technology for porcelain tiles

Partners and Projects info

Egyptian Center for Innovation & Technology Development

Towards the decarbonization of tile industry through an innovative semi-wet granulated technology for porcelain tiles

Partners and Projects info

National Engineering School of Gafsa

Towards the decarbonization of tile industry through an innovative semi-wet granulated technology for porcelain tiles

Partners and Projects info

ATLANTIS Environment and Innovation Ltd

Towards the decarbonization of tile industry through an innovative semi-wet granulated technology for porcelain tiles

Partners and Projects info

Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II

Towards the decarbonization of tile industry through an innovative semi-wet granulated technology for porcelain tiles

Partners and Projects info

Kaleseramik, Canakkale Kalebodur Ceramic Industry Inc.

Towards the decarbonization of tile industry through an innovative semi-wet granulated technology for porcelain tiles

Partners and Projects info

Jaume I University of Castellón

Towards the decarbonization of tile industry through an innovative semi-wet granulated technology for porcelain tiles

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Towards the decarbonization of tile industry through an innovative semi-wet granulated technology for porcelain tiles

Project acronym: INNOVATILE~A_T_1.1_0261

Project ID: 00012

Project start date: 2025-08-26

Project end date: 2028-08-25

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

TUBITAK TEYDEB : Development of Semi-Wet Granule Preparation System (Kaleseramik) (EN) | In this project, the proposed technology applied to the manufacture of wall tiles was developed, first on a laboratory scale and then on a pilot scale. The technology basically consisted of the following: Grinding part of the starting composition in a dry mill down to a fine particle size so that this solid does not need to be sieved. The rest of the composition undergoes the usual preparation process: wet milling in a ball mill, sieving and storage. Subsequently, the dry milled solids are mixed with the sieved suspension in a high intensity mixer, this being a key stage of the developed technology. By carrying out this innovative process, it is possible to achieve densities that are unusual in the suspension preparation process (10% higher than standard values), with the consequent reduction in the water content of the suspension and in the thermal energy consumption and CO2 emissions associated with the use of natural gas. (EN), AG15029 Investigation Of The Spraying Behaviour Of Density-Enhanced Sludge For Wall Tile Construction In A Spray Dryer (Kaleseramik) (EN) | In this second project, developed with own funds, the study of the spray-drying process of a high density suspension such as the one obtained in the previous project was carried out in a pilot spray-dryer. After adjusting the variables of the operation, associated with the process and the equipment used, it was possible to obtain spray-dry powders whose characteristics were perfectly adapted to those of the materials currently used. In addition, with the spray-dry powder obtained, pilot-scale pieces were processed and manufactured, which were characterized, concluding that they were perfectly adapted to the quality requirements of commercial products. (EN), New generation of hypocarbonic ceramic tiles 2030. Spanish Ministry (PLEC2022-009493). 2022-2025, (IUTC-UJI) (EN) | This project, financed by the Spanish government, is still under development. The project aims to replace the current process of wet milling and subsequent spray-drying with a process in which the RM mixture is dry milled and then granulated in a mixer to obtain pressing powder. In addition, the project also intends to explore the possibility of using SRMs to reduce the consumption of current RMs. Finally, the project includes an energy and environmental impact study of the proposed technology. Both the knowledge generated for the dry grinding process, as well as that related to the incorporation of SRMs and the environmental and energy impact, are considered of great interest for the development of the INNOVATILE project. (EN), Towards hypocarbon economy (LIFE HYPOBRICK) LIFE 18 CCM/ES/001114 Programme. 2020-2023. (IUTC-UJI) (EN) | The main objective of the project is to demonstrate the reliability of the manufacturing of building products based on waste (bricks and blocks) using a process extremely low in CO2 emissions, to comply with the environmental and climate guidelines of the EU green deal. Although the process proposed in the project was geopolymerization and the product to be obtained was bricks and not tiles, the knowledge generated during the realization of the project related to the use of SRMs and the energy and environmental calculations to estimate the reduction of greenhouse effect gases, are considered of great interest for the development of the INNOVATILE project (EN), New materials for more sustainable and comfortable construction (CONFORTMA) 2018-2021 (IUTC-UJI) (EN) | The project aimed to develop wall tiles with environmental humidity regulation functionality. Although this functionality is not directly related to the INNOVATILE project, the composition used for the development of the tiles employed a large proportion of SRMs from Spain. The project also included a study using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology of the developed product. Consequently, the common aspects are considered of great importance for the development of the INNOVATILE project. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 800 575.64

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 2 492 512.31

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 89.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

Other INNOVATILE aims to decrease the energy demand, raw materials consumption, with special focus on a critical raw material, water usage and greenhouse gas emissions ,thereby supporting various strategies and initiatives’ decarbonization, circular economy, technology transfer efforts. Within the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), INNOVATILE contributes to UNSDG 9 by supporting the enhancement of upgrading the technological capabilities of industries like tile manufacturing, and also supports UNSDG 7 by aiming improvement in energy efficiency. Additionally, through increased use of SRM and recycling to reduce waste generation, INNOVATILE contributes to UNSDG 12 as well. These efforts are further in line with the European Green Deal’s goals of decreasing EU’s greenhouse gas emissions, increasing recycled materials, reducing waste and promoting the use of SRMs and by-products. Achieving these goals necessitates deeper cooperation across value chains, a mission supported by our HypocarbonTileTech Network, which aims to unite actors not only in tile manufacturing but also across other sectors on topics as decarbonization, renewables, critical raw materials and waste management. Moreover, INNOVATILE’s activities align with initiatives such as the “Partnership with the Southern Neighbourhood A new Agenda for the Mediterranean”; “Union for the Mediterranean ‘2030 Greener Med Agenda”; “Union for the Mediterranean Ministerial Declaration on Environment and Climate Action”; “European Industrial Strategy” and “A new ERA for Research and Innovation”. From a sectoral perspective, INNOVATILE’s focus on decarbonization, supports the decarbonization objectives outlined in the European Ceramic Association Roadmap CERAME-UNIE. Last but not least, Applicant IUTC-UJI is involved in the Processes4Planet (P4Planet) Partnership which aims to transform the European process industries to achieve circularity and overall climate neutrality.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 090 - Projects for innovation networks across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 001 - Enterprises supported (of which: micro, small, medium, large), Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 003 - Small and medium-size enterprises (SMEs) introducing product or process innovation, Measurement unit:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B NEXT Mediterranean Sea Basin (NEXT MED)

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-06

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

59 / 59 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

392 / 392 (100%)

Notes on the data

There are discrepancies in this programme's financial data in keep.eu. Namely, in one or more cases, the sum of the project partners' budgets exceeds the total budget of the respective project. Interact is working with the Programme to correct those figures.

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Towards the decarbonization of tile industry through an innovative semi-wet granulated technology for porcelain tiles

Description

Thematic information

Partners (7)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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