International trade and standards for ceramic tile were the focus of discussions as delegates from 15 countries met in Clemson, S.C., home to the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), to develop new standards for ceramic tiles. Decisions made during the meetings are expected to influence the global tile business at a time when the U.S. industry is bouncing back after years of increasing imports and offshore production.
Delegates considered several crucial questions about technologically advanced ceramic tiles that experts see as the future of construction; some tiles fight smog by breaking down nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to produce a cleaner atmosphere, others hinder microorganism growth to create an antiseptic environment.