Beauty in ceramics
Cotto díEste has distinguished itself as the most prestigious name in the field of ceramics. Our creations, the result of continuous, passionate and unflinching technical and aesthetic research, are considered synonymous with beauty, quality and prestige. Rather than a mission, searching for beauty, for us, is a vocation, an imperative that has allowed us to attain the highest level of excellence, as attested by the confidence placed in our creations by architects and interior designers all over the world.


A history of success
Established in 1993 in Sassuolo (Italy) by Paolo Mussini, founder and current CEO of the company, Cotto díEste rapidly became known as the most prestigious manufacturer of ceramic tiles, a reference point for the high end and luxury segments of the market.

This companyís fast rise to fame and continued success are primarily due to its perfect reproductions of traditional Italian cotto ñ superb, inimitable products in the true spirit of terracotta, which combine all the advantages (in terms of resistance, cleaning and long life) of industrial single-firing with the features of porcelain stoneware that has been subjected to a long firing cycle. The tile with a special thickness of 14 mm, which was not available in ceramic material before, was an immediate success; a greater thickness meant a resistance that is 200% higher than that of a 10 mm thick ceramic tile.

Around the year 2000, the companyís range of products was rapidly increased with modern and essential projects in line with the new minimalist trends. Buxy, Pietratech and Elegance, for instance, which are all available in uniquely elegant colours, were inspired by the most beautiful and natural stones, limestones and marbles in the world. At the same time, ìconceptualî products, such as Over, which gives the impression of concrete, or Silvis, with its wooden attributes, were developed.

In 2004, Cotto díEste launched Kerlite, a new concept of ultra-thin porcelain stoneware, which was destined to revolutionize the world of ceramics. Its extremely thin structure (only 3 mm) and extra large sizes (up to 3 x 1 metre) make it possible to renovate old floors and walls quickly without removing existing surfaces, therefore saving time and money. Due to its versatility, Kerlite can be used in a wide range of environments, ranging from commercial outlets to ships. The word Kerlite itself has become a common word, used to refer to ultra-thin tiles in general.

Thanks to an agreement with MicrobanÆ, the global leader in antibacterial technology, since 2010 Cotto díEste has been incorporating into the tile surface of its core collections ñ during the production process ñ an innovative, silver-based antibacterial shield that eliminates up to 99.9% of bacteria on the tile surface. At the same time, it offers an added protection against wear and tear, climatic conditions and repeated cleans in any usage environment. Today, Cotto díEste means quality, research and technological innovation. Above all, it stands for charm and beauty.

Extra thick porcelain stoneware
The extra thick porcelain stoneware by Cotto díEste is exceptionally resistant to surface wear and tear. It is frost-resistant when used on exterior surfaces. Only 14 mm thick tiles, which have undergone a specific vitrification process to blend perfectly body and glaze, can produce a surface that resists scratching and withstands a breaking load that is 200% higher than that of 10 mm thick tiles.

The 14 mm thick porcelain stoneware also guarantees a perfectly flat floor, without differences in level or other irregularities, even when large sizes are used. A twenty-year guarantee certifies the reliability of our extra thick porcelain stoneware. For outdoor use, a new 20 mm extra thick porcelain stoneware tile is available -- functional, extra resistant, even to vehicular passage, if applied on a screed with adhesives.


KERLITE ultra-thin porcelain stoneware
Kerlite is porcelain stoneware based on a new concept that boasts the maximum versatility and ease-of-use. Resistant, light, flat and flexible, easy to cut, drill and install, and easy to sanitise, Kerlite is available in the pioneering format of a 300x100 cm slab with a thickness of only 3 mm (Kerlite 3 mm), ideal for interior and exterior walls. It is furthermore available in 3.5mm (Kerlite Plus) for flooring and 5.5 mm (Kerlite 5 plus), all highly resistant and having exceptional aesthetic properties.

Thanks to its limited thickness, Kerlite is ideal for renovating old floors without having to remove the existing surface, hence saving time and money. Many Kerlite collections go well and can be combined with the corresponding 14 mm thick porcelain stoneware products. Developed for the aesthetic needs of architecture and contemporary design, Kerlite introduced the era of global tiling, not only for floors and walls, but also for furniture and furnishings, doors, kitchens and worktops.


Care for the enviroment
Cotto díEste is renowned for breaking new grounds when it comes to combining beauty, quality and sustainability. While searching for the best standard of comfort, the group has succeeded in reducing to an absolute minimum the environmental impact of its factories in order to safeguard the ecosystem. All production facilities, which are highly automated and integrated, have achieved the prestigious ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and Emas certifications for environmental management systems. Raw materials for the production process are constantly checked to make sure that they fulfil the environmental standards envisaged by the law. Most of the waste material produced is recycled to reduce the use of new natural raw materials. All products are subject to stringent and precise quality checks and most of them have LEED credits and the ECOLABEL mark. Panariagroup is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council, member of Green Building Council Italia, and a Casa Clima partner.