TOTO, Crossville partner for new porcelain tile

TOTO has announced a new partnership with Crossville, a U.S.-owned and operated manufacturer of porcelain, glass and stone tile collections. Beginning in June 2013, Crossville will offer Hydrotect as an optional finish on a majority of its porcelain tile collections. 

"TOTO established 'HYDROTECT Partners' to raise Hydrotect’s profile in the global marketplace and disseminate knowledge about this breakthrough technology worldwide," said Daijiro Nogata, president of TOTO USA.

"TOTO continues to aggressively build our global network of cross-industrial strategic business partners. We are proud to announce that Crossville is the newest member of our international network. This announcement is a special pleasure for TOTO as we partner with Crossville on one of our key environmental initiatives -- upcycling our imperfect and damaged china for new tile production. Hydrotect will be available as an option on Crossville's recycled tile line, as well as its other collections."

Crossville applies Hydrotect to its porcelain tile during a second firing process, after the tile is traditionally glazed and fired. Hydrotect will not wash or wear off over time and is not visible. 

TOTO's Hydrotect technology uses photocatalysts with superhydrophilic and decomposition properties offering the following benefits:

• Creates easy clean surfaces on buildings' exteriors or interiors;


• Cleans the air (reduces pollutant gases, NOx, SOx, VOCs, which contribute to greenhouse gas production and improves general air quality, both indoor and outdoor); and


• Offers an anti-microbial effect.