Akcoat Coordinates the MAJESTIC Project to Recover Metals from Ceramic Ink Waste Through Electrochemical Processes

• The initiative will enable the recovery of metals from ceramic ink waste and their reuse in the manufacture of pigments with high solar reflectance.

• The development of inkjet inks and glazes based on these pigments opens the door to more sustainable ceramic digital inks with reduced dependence on fluctuations in commercial raw material markets.

Castellón, 24 April 2026. The Regional Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Innovation and Trade, headed by Marián Cano, is financing the MAJESTIC project through Ivace+i Innovación. The project focuses on recovering the metals contained in ceramic pigments used in ceramic inks by processing the ink waste generated within the ceramic industry itself. The initiative addresses one of the sector’s main challenges: the management of metallic waste derived from inks used in ceramic tile decoration, which contain, among other substances, metals considered “critical raw materials,” such as cobalt, as well as other heavy metals including iron and copper.

The objective is to develop technologies capable of breaking down the crystalline structure of ceramic pigments to separate metallic ions and subsequently recover the metals through electrochemical precipitation. In this way, the project aims to reduce environmental impact, decrease dependence on virgin raw materials, and advance toward a circular economy model in the ceramic industry, a sector of major economic and historical importance to the Valencian Community.

The MAJESTIC project is coordinated by AKCOAT Specialized Chemical Coatings and involves the participation of the Institute of Advanced Materials of Jaume I University (INAM-UJI) and the Institute of Ceramic Technology (ITC). This initiative is being carried out with funding from the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) within the Valencian Community 2021-2027 programme.

Circular Economy in the Ceramic Sector

To address this issue, the MAJESTIC project is investigating the development of advanced technologies such as electrochemical cells, which enable metal separation through electrolysis and electrodeposition processes. This innovative solution would facilitate the recovery of valuable materials. In addition, the project explores the reintegration of these recovered metals into the production cycle as raw materials for synthesizing new so-called“cool pigments”, that is, pigments with high solar reflectance that help prevent surface overheating and mitigate the urban heat island effect.

Urban heat islands are areas within cities that experience higher temperatures than their surrounding environments due to the accumulation of asphalt, buildings, and other surfaces that absorb and retain heat. This effect is often intensified in areas with limited vegetation and shade, where ground surfaces and façades heat up significantly during the day and release that heat slowly at night. As a result, cities may develop a warmer microclimate than nearby rural areas, directly affecting thermal comfort and quality of life.

This phenomenon has become increasingly relevant in urban planning and climate change adaptation strategies.

Collaboration to Drive Innovation

This initiative is also noteworthy for its collaborative nature. The joint participation of a university research institute such as INAM, a technology institute such as ITC, and a leading company in the ceramic ink sector such as AKCOAT provides the project with a particularly solid foundation by combining knowledge generation, technical validation, and market orientation. This collaboration strengthens the three pillars of innovation by connecting scientific research with applied development capabilities and a clear vision for technology transfer and commercial exploitation of results. Furthermore, it enables the challenge to be addressed from complementary perspectives, accelerating the maturity of solutions and increasing their real-world impact.

The project is aligned with the conclusions of two Specialized Strategic Innovation Committees (CEIE) promoted by Ivace+i Innovación. In the case of the Circular Economy committee, the recommendations emphasize the development of innovative solutions that contribute to reducing and valorising waste more efficiently. Likewise, the committees advocate the implementation of more sustainable materials and construction systems within the field of Sustainable Habitat, including the development of inks based on cool pigments.

The MAJESTIC project also falls within the main strategic priorities of the Smart Specialisation Strategy of the Valencian Community (S3), coordinated by the Regional Ministry of Industry, Tourism, Innovation and Trade.