At TCL, design is a promise to the future

CMF means Color, Material, and Finish. Through CMF innovation, we turn raw materials and textures into meaningful experiences—bridging human connection with planetary care. We see waste not as an end, but a beginning, reimagined into enduring design. Our vision is clear: technology in harmony with nature, design rooted in responsibility, and products that inspire a sustainable tomorrow. Introducing TCL ECORA—our first sustainable material, debuting by 2026. TCL ECORA embodies purposeful innovation, where products last longer, materials are reborn, and progress aligns with preservation. It marks the start of a new era in TCL material innovation, leading to reclaimed polymers and bio-based composites that prove sustainability and sophistication can coexist.

The name “TCL ECORA” comes from the amalgamation of “ECOSYSTEM” and “CERAMICS” to represent our vision of creating a strategic ecosystem of sustainable materials.

Introducing TCL ECORA, TCL signature material

Every year, 60,000 metric tons of ceramic waste are generated in Jingdezhen, China’s centuries-old “Porcelain Capital”.

In a world where materials shape not just products but the way we live, TCL ECORA represents a bold step into the future. Born from a vision to harmonize technology, design, and responsibility, TCL ECORA is more than a material — It stands as proof that sustainability and emotion coexist, driving us toward a future where innovation respects our planet while enriching our everyday experiences.

Ceramics - legacy materials in transition

TCL ECORA’s journey began with a question: Can centuries-old craftsmanship inspire tomorrow’s sustainable solutions? The answer led us to Jingdezhen, China— the city world-renowned for its porcelain and ceramic artistry, yet challenged by waste generated from production. In its workshops and kilns, we discovered raw potential in discarded ceramic, and from this insight, TCL ECORA was born. This is a material that carries the soul of Chinese craftsmanship, transforming heritage waste into a resource that shapes a more responsible future.

Jingdezhen, China’s centuries-old “Porcelain Capital,” faces a pressing waste challenge: the city generates over 60,000 metric tons of ceramic waste annually, contributing to the national total of around 18 million tons each year. Ceramic materials are non-degradable, occupying large areas of land when buried, and glazed shards can leach harmful substances, risking soil and water contamination. Historically, broken ceramics and kiln bricks were repurposed in drainage systems or used as landfill, shaping parts of Jingdezhen’s urban fabric. However, today’s volumes far exceed such traditional practices, underscoring the urgent need for more sustainable, circular approaches to reuse and reduction.

The process behind TCL ECORA embodies our philosophy of purposeful innovation:

Crafting from past, Designing for the future

The visual and tactile language of TCL ECORA draws deeply from China’s ceramic heritage—echoing centuries of artistry through modern material design. By referencing the most iconic and widely celebrated ceramic styles from history, TCL ECORA surfaces carry forward the beauty, precision, and symbolism of traditional craftsmanship.

Yuan Dynasty - Blue and White Porcelain

Originating in Jingdezhen during the Yuan Dynasty, this porcelain is famed for its vivid cobalt blue underglaze and pure white body. Elegant and expressive, its simplicity resonated with literati taste and became a timeless symbol of Chinese aesthetics. TCL ECORA reflects this clarity through cool, mineral-toned surfaces with a refined depth.

Yuan dynasty cobalt blue and white aesthetic is translated into blue speckles on a white base on TCL ECORA

Qing Dynasty – Famille Rose Porcelain

Emerging in the Qing Dynasty, Famille Rose (fencai) is known for its soft palette and intricate overglaze decoration. With its delicate tonal gradations and painterly style, it epitomized courtly refinement. TCL ECORA channels this elegance through subtle color blending and fine surface articulation.

Qing dynasty soft colors are translated into refined multi-color speckles on a warm white base on TCL ECORA

Developed with process flexibility at its core

TCL ECORA transforms everyday products into meaningful experiences. Its ceramic-infused plastic brings a new standard of strength and resilience - improving surface hardness up to 30% - ensuring durability you can feel. The surface delivers a stone-like elegance, cool and refined to the touch, echoing the craftsmanship of natural materials. By fine-tuning the ceramic blend, TCL ECORA unlocks unique aesthetic possibilities, offering products that are not only beautiful but also deeply responsible—designed to enrich your life while respecting the world around us.

TCL ECORA pellets support large scale injection molding

TCL ECORA’s formulation is optimized not only for traditional injection molding, enabling high-volume production with consistent surface quality, but also for 3D printing, supporting rapid prototyping and design exploration. This dual compatibility allows TCL ECORA to adapt seamlessly across design and production stages — from concept modeling to final mass production — making it a versatile material solution for innovation-driven manufacturing.

Looking ahead, TCL plans to further broaden TCL ECORA’s potential. One key development pathway is a food-grade version, opening applications in household appliances and consumer products where safety and hygiene are paramount. At the same time, TCL ECORA’s material platform is being engineered for compatibility with a wider range of plastic matrices — including polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), and other engineering plastics — to enhance durability, expand mechanical properties, and unlock use in more demanding environments. These future expansions will strengthen TCL ECORA as a modular material family, able to flexibly adapt across industries and product categories while advancing TCL’s commitment to sustainable, high-performance design.

A sustainable drop-in solution for real-world impact

One of TCL ECORA’s greatest strengths lies in its adaptability. Designed as a drop-in material, TCL ECORA can be used in place of standard plastics across TCL’s existing manufacturing processes — without the need for major tooling changes or production overhauls. This seamless integration allows us to scale sustainability quickly and efficiently, enabling widespread adoption across multiple product categories. From air conditioners to home appliances and consumer electronics, TCL ECORA empowers TCL to reduce environmental impact while maintaining design, durability, and performance.