At a recent event for designers, dealers and trade media, Fiandre Architectural Surfaces opened a showroom in Chicago and launched its ACTIVE Clean Air & Antibacterial Ceramic technology.

Graziano Verdi, Fiandre Group’s president and ceo, said the new technology can help contribute to sustainable architecture. When either natural or artificial light comes into contact with micrometric particles of titanium dioxide applied to the tiles’ surface, oxidation occurs. The oxidation process can clear harmful organic and inorganic substances from the air, disinfect surfaces, and make the tiles self-cleaning, according to Verdi.

Fiandre is the parent company of StonePeak Ceramics, and both companies are sharing space in the Chicago showroom at 314 W. Superior St. Speakers at the Chicago event also included Rodolfo Panisi, StonePeak Ceramics’ ceo; and Robert Allegrini, president of Chicago’s Italian American Chamber of Commerce.

– Bob Miodonski