December 22, 2025
- By Sanjeev Ranjan, Senior VP Design & Technology, Somany Ceramics
There is a profound art to replicating the natural world—a pursuit not just of imitation, but of evolution. Today, we aren't simply copying nature; we are transcending it. Thanks to breakthroughs in material composition and printing technology, we have entered an era where surface replicas offer the best of both worlds: the timeless aesthetic of nature and the performance of modern technology.
These are not just tiles but rather very accurate recreations of nature. We capture veining, dimensions, contrast, etc, of natural products recreating an effect which is nearly indistinguishable from the originals.
However, beauty alone is not sufficient. Beneath these life-like graphics, a robust core resides. Our Surfaces are engineered for unmatched performance, offering advanced durability, superior abrasion resistance, anti - skid properties, heat and chemical resistance.
The journey from ordinary tiles to premium engineered surfaces has been driven by few major technological evolutions:
Printing • Raw Materials • Forming • Firing
From simple printing to today’s digital mastery, printing technology has advanced by leaps and bounds.
Modern machines now capture minute details and reproduce true colour tonality with incredible depth and clarity.
This technology allows us to produce life-like finishes with unmatched consistency and realism.
Innovation in raw materials has redefined what’s possible.
Using refined particles and improved glaze and body compositions, we now achieve stronger bodies, finer finishes, and highly functional surfaces.
We have now:
These refined materials form the foundation of premium tile creation.
Forming technology has evolved from traditional methods to continuous forming systems(CONTINUA+) — delivering tiles that are denser, smoother, and structurally superior.
This advancement enables:
Every surface is now crafted for perfection, performance, and luxury.
Precision firing brings everything together — body, glaze, and inks — into one flawless, combined product.
With longer kiln lengths, an innovative heat/air control system and controlled firing, we fine-tune every parameter to achieve the perfect balance of strength and beauty.
These innovations have transformed tiles from basic surface covers into aesthetic and functional masterpieces that often outperform natural materials.
Ultimately, tiles have moved past their conventional application in decoration. Presently, they have become a constructed experience—a precise intersection where art, surface technology, and engineering come into play.
This evolution delivers:
This is the new era of premium surfaces. By blending the beauty of nature with the precision of science, we aren't just covering floors and walls—we are elevating the way people experience their spaces.
Sanjeev Ranjan serves as Senior Vice President – Design & Technology, leading the company’s design vision with close to 30 years of industry experience. Armed with a B.Tech and MBA, he has worked extensively in product design and strategy , retail experience enhancement, product development, and visual merchandising. Known for his strong understanding of global aesthetics and trends, he continues to play a key role in shaping the company’s design leadership in the industry.
