Tin remains in the spotlight

2007 will see the continuation of successful initiatives, under the auspices of INTERDECORAÇÃO.

We are referring to the “INTERDECORAÇÃO Design - Estanhos/EPU” award, organised by EXPONOR, in collaboration with the Portuguese Foundry Association and the designer Nuno Sá Leal, and the INTERDECORAÇÃO Company Design competition, which also includes the collaboration of this designer.

The aims, once again, are to put tin in the spotlight (read the text below about the “Tin League”, highlight the best original item made from tin for its creativity and innovation, as well as promoting the decorative tin industry and its whole universe.

The Tin League

The APF – Portuguese Foundry Association - is a national organisation founded in 1964 which, together with EXPONOR, will collaborate in the organisation of yet another edition of the “INTERDECORAÇÃO DESIGN-ESTANHOS/EPU” competition.

The APF comprises companies, managers and workers from all levels, operating in the field of casting and related industries. Its main aim is to support the development of national technology and promote Portuguese casting in international markets.

Pewter is normally used to manufacture artistic and decorative pieces and, in this field, its potential is virtually unlimited.

The Tin Industry in Portugal – which is secured by about 15 companies – has an essentially crafts-like character and seeks to preserve the original characteristics of this metal which has been used since ancient times and where the labour component plays a crucial role.

Within the APF – Portuguese Foundry Association, the “Pewter Group” was created and, in turn, the APF is part of the EPU – European Pewter Union, an international body which promotes and supports pewter and which bestows, through the APF, the “EPU” quality mark which guarantees that the cast products conform to the respective European standards.

The APF and its Pewter Group are committed to promoting and helping to publicise and establish this tin alloy, which is among the main products used in the manufacture of artistic and decorative pieces.