Why a podcast on chemistry & ceramic production?
Nearly three years ago, on May 2, 2022, we embarked on an ambitious project: creating a podcast dedicated to chemistry in relation to the ceramic production industry.
The decision to launch this project stemmed from a realization that may not be immediately obvious to everyone: chemistry is the beating heart of nearly every process that occurs along the production lines of ceramic companies. Every stage, from raw material preparation to post-firing activities, is governed by chemical reactions and interactions. These not only determine the quality and characteristics of the final product but also ensure that the process flows smoothly without interruptions or setbacks.
From the beginning, the podcast’s primary goal has been to provide concrete answers to ceramic manufacturers by addressing the real issues they often face during daily operations. The approach was clear: start with the problems, analyze their origins (not just chemical ones), and offer a comprehensive view of the preventive and corrective actions that can be implemented. This method has allowed us to create practical and, we hope, highly relevant content for those working in the sector every day.
Over the years, the project has evolved, solidifying its presence and expanding its audience. Available in three languages—Italian, English, and Spanish—the podcast has become a reference point for industry professionals, offering a voice worth listening to before engaging in discussions on shared topics of interest. The aim is not just to provide guidance on solving technical issues but also to bring added value to the sector by sharing knowledge, innovations, and best practices. All of this is done in a bilateral way: experts speaking to other experts—and vice versa.
Two and a half years later, the podcast continues to grow, strengthening connections and promoting a conscious and scientific approach to addressing production challenges. The project has demonstrated – if proof were needed – that knowledge is the best ally for innovation, improvement, and ensuring a sustainable future for the industry.
The project, born from teamwork combining the marketing department’s insights with the expertise of laboratory technicians, is structured as a step-by-step journey through production lines. A metro map, symbolizing the podcast, represents stops where issues may arise, ready to be explored, evaluated, and resolved. This simple metaphor has enabled us to build an accessible and occasionally humorous approach, transforming complex and highly technical content into an engaging narrative – even for non-experts or those who haven’t made chemistry their profession. The biggest challenge, both then and now, is defining a language that is simple yet not overly simplistic.
While the project has an educational and informative vocation, it never forgets that the primary audience consists of highly qualified professionals who are already familiar with the topics and challenges being discussed. For this reason, the initiative is driven not by an academic or didactic approach but by a desire to foster an open, plural, and equal dialogue. Each participant contributes their expertise.
Discussing chemistry for ceramics means talking about liquids that are more or less transparent and more or less viscous. These products, which might initially seem secondary due to their lack of immediate appeal, play a vital role. After undergoing evaporation in ceramic kilns, they disappear without leaving an apparent trace – hence the project’s name: APPARENTLY INVISIBLE. However, their role is undeniably significant.
Each episode aims to shed light on the chemistry happening in production plants, revealing principles and mechanisms that are often not fully understood. As if to say: “You may not see me, but I am here, working alongside you.” To further highlight the topics discussed, each episode is preceded by a short promotional video that intuitively and concisely summarizes the main points.
WHERE, HOW & WHEN?
To date, over 130 episodes have been recorded in Italian, English, and Spanish, each lasting about 15-20 minutes. New episodes are released every two weeks and can be listened to for free on major audio platforms (Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Spreaker, etc.) and the Z&S Ceramco company app, which is also available for free on Google Play and the Apple Store, complete with additional content.
The path is clear, and the direction is set: not just products but also solutions and valuable content—often tailored to specific needs.
Tutti gli episodi sono disponibili, unitamente ad altre interessanti sezioni, anche sulla nostra APP, scaricabile gratuitamente su:
