Bologna Cersaie 2025: what to expect from the event of the year in the ceramics industry

Indice

1. Introduction: why Cersaie is the event not to be missed
2. History and relevance of Cersaie Bologna
3. What’s new in the 2025 edition
4. Expected trends in the ceramics industry
5. Sicer at Cersaie 2025: innovation and research at the core
6. Other key players in the event
7. Side events and special initiatives
8. Practical guide for visitors
9. Conclusion

Introduction: why Cersaie is the event not to be missed

Cersaie in Bologna is much more than a trade fair: it is a global reference point for the world of ceramics and bathroom furnishings. The 2025 edition will take place from September 22 to 26 in the halls of BolognaFiere, with a program full of events, exhibitions and moments of discussion among the protagonists of the sector.

History and relevance of Cersaie Bologna

Cersaie (an acronym for the International Exhibition of Ceramic Tile and Bathroom Furnishings) was founded in 1983 and quickly established itself as the world’s annual benchmark event for ceramic and interior design professionals.

Over the years, the fair has been able to interpret the industry’s transformations, expanding its exhibition offerings, welcoming new international players and introducing more and more space for sustainable design, contracting and the dialogue between technology and creativity.

Figures that tell a leadership story

• More than 600 exhibitors from more than 30 countries
• An average of 90,000 visitors each year, about 45% of whom are international
• 19 exhibition halls and more than 160,000 square meters of floor space
• Established collaborations with entities such as Confindustria Ceramica, trade associations, universities and research centers

These numbers testify not only to the commercial weight of Cersaie in Bologna, but also to its cultural centrality: a place where trends are anticipated, the most innovative minds meet and strategic relationships are forged for the entire supply chain.

Comparison Cersaie 2024 vs 2025

Parameter	Cersaie 2024	Cersaie 2025 (planned)
Number of exhibitors	634 exhibitors	>650 exhibitors
Countries represented	26 countries	~30 countries
Total visitors	99,319 visitors	100,000+ visitors
Exhibition area (sq. m.)	145.000 m²	160.000 m²

What’s new in the 2025 edition

The Cersaie Bologna 2025 edition, scheduled for September 22-26, promises to be one of the most relevant in recent years. The central theme revolves around three fundamental pillars for the evolution of the industry: design, technology and sustainability.

A common thread that is reflected in the structure of the fair, the content of the events and the exhibitors’ design choices.

Exhibition trends and thematic focus

In line with recent editions, sections devoted to advanced ceramic materials and more sustainable design solutions are expected to be strengthened. Among the topics of interest:

• Smart materials with advanced features
• Eco-friendly surfaces and low-impact production cycles
• New ceramic applications for outdoor and hospitality.

The exhibition layout will continue to enhance the visitor experience, with thematic paths, application demonstrations and spaces for collaboration between companies and designers.

Cultural program and international meetings

As per tradition, the 2025 edition will again offer a rich calendar of conferences, workshops and meetings dedicated to architecture, design and ceramic innovation. Internationally renowned designers are expected to attend, with educational content in collaboration with universities, cultural foundations and professional firms.

Attention will also be paid to emerging technologies and the integration of Industry 4.0, sustainability and the new demands of contemporary living.

Internationalization on the rise

Among the expected foreign delegations, particular attention is being paid to India, Brazil, Turkey and Vietnam. There is also growing interest from Middle Eastern markets such as the United Arab Emirates, which is increasingly active in contract architecture and ceramic design.

Expected trends in the ceramic industry

Cersaie Bologna 2025 will be the ideal showcase to explore the new trends that will drive the ceramics industry in the coming years. Technological innovation and a growing focus on sustainability are profoundly redefining both products and production processes.

Evolved surfaces and smart materials

Some of the most anticipated innovations include smart tiles that can interact with the environment thanks to integrated sensors, surfaces that change color with temperature, or experimental surfaces with micro-scratch self-repair capabilities, inspired by self-healing materials used in other technology sectors.

Antibacterial surfaces, ideal for healthcare environments and public spaces, are also gaining popularity, often combined with titanium dioxide-based self-cleaning technologies or photocatalytic treatments.

Natural aesthetics and tactile finishes

Aesthetically, the trend is moving toward:

• Highly faithful material reproductions of wood, stone, marble
• Three-dimensional textures and soft-touch surfaces
• Collections inspired by nature and craftsmanship, with earthy colors and deliberately accentuated irregularities

Sustainable and circular production

More and more companies will present materials with certified recycled content, energy-efficient production cycles, enamels with reduced VOC emissions and solutions for industrial water reuse.

The Design for Disassembly concept extends to ceramics, with modules designed to be removed and reused.

Sicer at Cersaie 2025: innovation and research at the center

Once again this year, Sicer confirms itself among the protagonists of Cersaie, bringing to the fair an offer that combines advanced research, sustainability and the highest level of technical performance.

NEXT EXPERIENCE SURFACES: the new frontier of ceramic surfaces

In the spotlight will be the NEXT EXPERIENCE SURFACES line, an innovation that perfectly meets the needs of the most demanding manufacturers:

• Fine and stable micro grits for unique textural effects
• Totally anti-reflective surfaces, velvety to the touch
• Very high degree of cleanability and resistance to chemicals
• Non-slip classification from R9 to R12, in line with EN 16165

A “ready to use” product that is easy to apply in industrial settings and allows for uncompromising technical and aesthetic effects.

Research, service and global presence

What sets Sicer apart in the market is its integrated approach:

• An active and specialized R&D center
• Customized technical assistance at every stage of the process
• An international network with plants in Mexico, Spain, India, the U.S. and Indonesia

Sicer is not just a supplier, but a strategic partner for the growth of ceramic industries, able to propose advanced solutions even for non-standard requirements.

The other protagonists of the event

Cersaie 2025 will see the participation of more than 600 exhibiting companies, including leading Italian and international brands in the ceramic and bathroom furnishings sector. Alongside historical players such as Marazzi, Atlas Concorde, Florim, RAK Ceramics and Porcelanosa and many other important Italian and nonItalian brands, emerging companies with technologically advanced proposals will also be present.

Designers, architects and special guests

Big names in international design are expected again this year. Encounters between industry and creativity will be fostered by exhibitions, installations and open talks. Cersaie thus strengthens its role as a crossroads between manufacturing and design vision, uniting the worlds of technical B2B and that of design culture.

Collaborations and special projects

Special initiatives include the return of collaborations with universities and design schools, open innovation projects between startups and ceramic industries, and a growing space for digital technologies applied to product and architectural design.

Side events and special initiatives

Cersaie is not just a fair: it is an ecosystem of events that involves the whole city. In Bologna, a real “fuorisalone ceramico” made up of exhibitions, evening openings, architectural tours and business events is activated during the days of the fair.

Conferences and training

The program will include conferences dedicated to sustainable architecture, new housing models and dialogue between industry and design culture. Technical trainings will be aimed at designers, R&D, buyers and students.

Networking and B2B

The matchmaking area for B2B meetings with international buyers will be enhanced, supported by digital tools and smart agendas. The goal is to facilitate new partnerships and concrete business opportunities.

Want to be among the first to schedule a meeting with us at the fair? Write to us here and we at Sicer will be happy to arrange the meeting.

Practical guide for visitors

Tickets and registration

Attendance at Cersaie is free for industry professionals. You can register online at the official website to receive an e-ticket.

How to get to the fair

BolognaFiere – Viale della Fiera, 20
Easily accessible by train, shuttle or car
Dedicated parking lots and free shuttles from FS train station and airport

Official app and digital tools

Cersaie app available with:

• Interactive map of the fair
• Customized agenda
• Information on booths, events, and theme trails

Conclusion and FAQ

Why participate

Cersaie 2025 in Bologna is much more than a trade fair: it is an international observatory on developments in the ceramics industry, a place of connection and a concrete opportunity for those investing in innovation.

Sicer will be present to share its vision, present advanced solutions such as NEXT EXPERIENCE SURFACES, and consolidate its role as a technical and strategic partner for global ceramic manufacturers. Come and visit us at Hall 33, Stand E9/D10.