Designing dreams, one tile at a time
Bangladesh’s ceramic industry has evolved from focusing purely on functionality to becoming a design-driven, globally competitive sector—blending aesthetics, innovation, and energy efficiency to meet modern consumer aspirations
Over the past decade, I've witnessed firsthand one of the most fascinating shifts in Bangladesh's ceramic industry—the transformation of how people think about their homes.
There was a time when tiles were chosen purely for practicality. Homeowners wanted something durable, easy to clean, and affordable. That was it. But today, homes are no longer just functional spaces; they're personal statements reflecting taste, lifestyle, and aspiration.
This change has been driven by exposure through social media, global travel, international architecture, and design trends. People now see homes in Milan, Dubai, or Singapore and expect that same level of sophistication in Dhaka, Chattogram, or Sylhet. The preferences of Bangladeshi consumers have evolved dramatically, and so have we.
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The ceramic industry in Bangladesh is no longer a support sector—it's now a symbol of innovation and industrial strength. As we look to the future, our focus remains on three pillars: design leadership, energy efficiency, and export readiness.
As industry leaders, we realised early that we could not limit ourselves to producing tiles that simply "did the job." Functionality remains essential, but aesthetics now define purchase decisions. This realisation changed everything—from our investments in technology to how we approach design.
Digital printing, textured emboss finishes, and large-format slabs are no longer luxuries; they are the norm. A homeowner building a modern duplex today doesn't just want plain white tiles. They want Italian marble effects, Scandinavian matte finishes, or Moroccan-inspired mosaics. People are not just designing floors, they're curating experiences.
This transformation also reshaped how we invest in research and development. We've set up dedicated design studios that track global trends and reinterpret them through a local lens. For instance, while global consumers may lean towards monochrome minimalism, Bangladeshi homes often thrive on warmth and character. That's why we celebrate earthy tones, subtle textures, and motifs inspired by our culture. Our mission is to blend durability with personality.
One of our proudest innovations born from this philosophy is "sTiles"—a collection of small-format tiles in six unique shapes designed for people who want something artistic, something different. It's not just about how a tile looks but how it feels in a space. sTiles represents the soul of our brand—where craftsmanship meets emotion.
Rethinking energy and efficiency
Ceramic production is deeply energy-intensive. Our kilns operate at temperatures exceeding 1,200°C, and every fluctuation in energy price directly impacts cost and competitiveness. The recent gas price hikes and supply inconsistencies have challenged the entire sector. But rather than treating these as setbacks, we viewed them as opportunities to evolve.
We've invested heavily in cogeneration systems, where exhaust heat from kilns is reused to power dryers and preheating chambers, cutting our energy demand significantly. Alongside that, we're exploring alternative fuels and studying small-scale renewable integrations to diversify our energy mix.
Automation, powered by Industry 4.0, has further helped us optimise operations, reducing idle time, minimising wastage, and improving precision. The goal is clear: make every square metre of tile more energy-efficient to produce.
However, for true progress, we need supportive public policy. Stable energy pricing, uninterrupted gas supply, and a clear, long-term strategy from the government will help manufacturers plan better and invest confidently in sustainable technologies. With the right policy framework, I genuinely believe Bangladesh's ceramics industry can become not just resilient but globally competitive in consideration of efficiency and innovation.
Competing with global brands
In the premium tile segment, our competition extends beyond local players. Imported tiles from Italy, Spain, China, and India have long dominated the market. Yet, our strongest advantage lies in localisation with global quality.
Imported products often look appealing but come with their own challenges—long lead times, higher costs, and designs that don't always suit Bangladeshi architecture or weather. We bridge that gap by producing world-class tiles right here in Bangladesh, customised for local needs and design preferences.
From full-body technical porcelain to intricate embossed finishes, we're offering innovations that can rival international brands often at a more competitive price point. And increasingly, clients want to buy local. There's a growing sense of pride in supporting Bangladeshi brands that deliver on quality, creativity, and performance.
This local pride has been one of our most powerful driving forces. Every time a client chooses our tiles over an imported one, it's a vote of confidence in our capabilities and in Bangladesh's industrial progress.
Looking beyond borders
The story of Bangladesh's ceramics industry is one of evolution—from meeting domestic demand to preparing for global competition. When the sector first began to mature, the focus was understandably on functional tiles and sanitaryware that met basic household needs. But the entry into export markets has transformed the landscape.
Engagement with buyers in Europe, the Middle East, and North America opened our eyes to entirely new expectations—perfect sizing, zero-defect finishes, enhanced strength, and even sustainability credentials like reduced carbon footprints. These global standards have pushed us to improve every aspect of our process—from raw material sourcing to packaging.
Although we are not yet exporting tiles, our export-readiness mindset already drives our design and quality decisions. We are aligning ourselves with the benchmarks demanded by international buyers. With stronger government incentives and trade facilitation, I believe Bangladeshi tiles will soon find their place in the global market alongside those from Italy, Spain, and China.
The ceramic industry in Bangladesh is no longer a support sector, it's a symbol of design, innovation, and industrial strength. As we look to the future, our focus remains on three pillars: design leadership, energy efficiency, and export readiness.
Consumers today demand more than ever before, and that's a good thing. It keeps us on our toes, pushes us to innovate further, and inspires us to transform ordinary spaces into reflections of modern Bangladeshi life. From rustic village homes to high-rise apartments, we are redefining what it means to live beautifully and sustainably in Bangladesh.
In every tile we design, every slab we polish, and every trend we embrace, there's a piece of our country's story—a story of ambition, artistry, and progress.
