TORONTO, ONTARIO -- 11/24/09 --
Ceramic tiles can do more than just line your floor and cover your walls. They can now contribute to a cleaner environment and a better atmosphere.
Savoia Canada Inc., the Canadian subsidiary of Italian tile-giant GranitiFiandre Group (Fiandre) and Iris Ceramica, unveils its Active(TM) Clean Air & Antibacterial Ceramic tiles to the Canadian marketplace today.
"Active(TM) tiles represent a fundamental step in the ceramics industry and we are confident these tiles are the direction of the future," said Piergiorgio Mazzetta, Executive Vice President of Savoia Canada Inc. "These tiles have an elegant and sophisticated design, and they enable us to be more socially responsible by contributing positively to the improvement of our environment. We expect these tiles to become the gold standard for hospitals, schools, restaurants, offices and residential homes requiring a clean and hygienic atmosphere."
Photocatalysis Explained
Fiandre and Iris Ceramica's innovative production method, known as the photocatalysis method, uses titanium dioxide to clean the air of polluting organic substances when either sunlight or artificial UVA rays shine on the tiles. The chemical process underlying the reaction is oxidation, resulting from the combined action of light and air. This process transforms harmful organic and inorganic substances into compounds that are harmless to humans.
The oxidation process brings about three important qualities:
- Antipollution - the air is cleared of harmful and inorganic substances;
- Antibacterial - surfaces are disinfected and bacteria removed; and
- Self-Cleaning - Especially with external facades, the presence of bacteria causes an antibacterial reaction, resulting in a self-cleaning effect.
This innovative production method has been verified by the Tile Council of North America (TCNA) and the Bologna Ceramic Centre. The TCNA tested the effects of the photocatalytic activity by inoculating the tile surfaces with Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Klesbsiella pneumonia and found out the following:
- An 86.4% reduction of Staphylococcus aureus on the Active(TM) tiles compared to tiles without a photocatalytic surface;
- A 93% reduction of Escherichia coli on the Active(TM) tiles compared to tiles without a photocatalytic surface;
- A 70.8% reduction of Klesbsiella pneumonia on the Active(TM) tiles compared to tiles without a photocatalytic surface.
A micrometric technology application was used to develop Active(TM) tiles. This technology poses no health risks and minimizes problems often associated with other photocatalytic techniques.
Active(TM) Tiles are Getting Noticed
Active(TM) tiles are able to clear the air of harmful emissions. With exterior facades, for example, this means the tiles can strongly decrease pollution caused by chemical detergents and significantly reduces the need for maintenance. And building developers are quickly taking note.
"I applaud the efforts of the Fiandre Corporation who have taken a substantial step in research, innovation and the production of environmentally sustainable tiles," said Leo DelZotto, President, Tridel Group of Companies. "As a leading high rise residential developer in Canada committed to building Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified buildings, we see this as a significant step toward setting a new standard in healthy floor and wall surfaces without compromising the aesthetic".
Active(TM) tiles will be available in Canada at the beginning of 2010. They are currently available in approximately 40 different colours and varying sizes. Adding the Active(TM) finish to any tile will be an additional $2 per square foot. Savoia will begin with a business to business target market before selling it to consumers.
About The GranitiFiandre Corporation
Founded in 1961 in Castellarano, Italy, The GranitiFiandre Corporation has for decades supplied global customers with the highest quality selection of fine architectural surfacing products. With international facilities in Italy, Germany and the United States, as well as a globalretail network, GranitiFiandre is equipped to address product needs for various architectural and design situations. The company's Canadian operations are managed through Savoia Canada Inc. GranitiFiandre is listed on the STAR division of the Italian Stock Exchange. For more information, please visit www.granitifiandre.com.
About Savoia Canada Inc.
Savoia Canada Inc. is a leading distributor of high-end ceramic and porcelain flooring and wall coverings to the residential and commercial markets. Operating in Canada since 1993, the company is owned by the GranitiFiandre Group, a world leader in the production and sale of high-quality porcelain stoneware. The company operates a 4,500-sq.-ft. showroom in the heart of Toronto's trendy furniture and design district featuring the latest in Italian design. Smaller showrooms are located in Montreal and Vancouver. Savoia Canada is the proud supplier of dozens of national accounts all over Canada and is involved in many of Canada's most important and prestigious projects. For more information about Savoia, visit www.savoia.com.
For additional details about Active(TM) Clean Air & Antibacterial Ceramic tiles visit http://www.active-ceramic.com.
Contacts:
For more information or to arrange interviews, contact:
MAVERICK Public Relations Inc.
Julie Rusciolelli
(416) 640-5525, ext. 222
Julier@maverickpr.com
MAVERICK Public Relations Inc.
Yuri Park
(416) 640-5525, ext. 233
yurip@maverickpr.com
