Cemlab

Today, the innovation It is considered one of the basic development factors in advanced countries. In a sector as competitive as ceramics, it has become a key factor for companies. But this is an innovation that goes beyond incorporating technology into the manufacturing process of a product; it involves anticipating market needs to generate new products or new features at the lowest possible cost.

Bathco bases part of its success on its ability to generate new products and anticipate market needs. To this end, it has collaborators in research and innovation, such as Cantabria Technology Center for Components. We spoke with Beatriz Sancristóbal, CTC's project director, who gave us the details of the new material they developed for the sink manufacturing company.

What has the collaboration between Bathco and the CTC consisted of?

The Technology Center for Components has collaborated with Bathco on the development of an R&D project to create cement sinks with improved properties through the use of nanomaterials.

The collaboration, which began 25 months ago, is a success story that clearly exemplifies the benefits that an alliance between an innovative company and the only Technology Center in Cantabria can bring, as a product with the necessary properties to cover a market niche has been achieved.

How is the CTC approaching the project that Bathco is presenting to you?

We approached the project with great enthusiasm. The bathroom sector was a new one for us and, therefore, full of unexplored opportunities. The Advanced Materials and Nanomaterials area of the CTC took on the challenge of improving the properties of sinks, starting from a conventional material like cement.

How has the research work been?

We were familiar with the material and also with the current problems that these types of products have, such as the effects of humidity. The CTC team involved in the project has selected all the components of the new formulation one by one, so that the final product satisfactorily meets all the needs specified by Bathco.

After that selection, the experimental phase was carried out in our laboratories. This stage consisted of combining the components in different proportions until reaching the properties requested by Bathco.

What will this new material contribute to the bathroom industry?

This is a new formulation that, starting from traditional cement, achieves a lighter, more waterproof product with a wide range of possible shades and finishes in the final product. In other words, it significantly improves the properties of cement sinks currently on the market.

What characteristics does the resulting material have?

The material developed results in an advanced sink made from an innovative material, featuring improved weight (40% is lighter), improved permeability (80% is more water-resistant), and a natural finish.

Bathco and CTC are in talks to develop a sustainable project. Could you give us some details?

The development of this project is closely linked to studying the product lifecycle. That is, it involves conducting multiple investigations in this area to understand at what point in the lifecycle the product adds value. Other aspects related to the project would include the localization and determination of critical environmental aspects, their control and monitoring during the process, or the reuse of waste in the formulation and manufacturing of materials.

What do sustainable projects bring to companies?

Sustainable projects offer benefits in various areas. In addition to improving business outcomes and financial profitability, they also facilitate the inclusion of better production and commercial practices that generate social and environmental benefits.

These projects are supported by economic, environmental, and social criteria. Far from the perception that developing sustainable projects is associated with “uncompetitive” and potentially “costly” projects, it allows for cost reduction, increased product profits, access to new markets, improved public image, and higher quality levels. All of this benefits efficient company management.