About us

The Institute of Vitreous Enamellers (IVE) is the UK-based technical Institute for excellence in Vitreous Enamelling.

It is a modern, dynamic organisation with a wealth of experience. Formed in 1934, it is the oldest European body of its type. Better known as the ‘IVE’, its aim is to advance enamelling technology, science and best practice and to offer help with training, advice and information to industry, specifiers and to the general public.

The Vitreous Enamel Association was formed in 1956 as the Vitreous Enamel Development Council, changing to its present title in 1995. It is the trade association for the vitreous enamelling industry in the UK and operates the unique Cleaner Scheme where cleaning products for use on vitreous enamel are tested and approved.

Enamelling has been around for a long time. The earliest known enamelled objects were made in Cyprus in around the 13th century BC during the Mycenæan period. See the: History Page

You come into contact with vitreous enamel in the kitchen on cookers and appliances, in and on buildings with architectural panels and signs and in art, design and decorative work. It has unique properties in a coating, combining heat and abrasion resistance with a smooth surface finish. The surface has the properties of glass, making it easy to keep clean and pleasing to the eye with long-term durability. This longevity is evident in old advertising signs, which have now become collectable antiques and it is still used today for durable and colour stable signs. High quality microwave cookers use a vitreous enamelled lining. It has been proved that cooking in an enamelled oven retains more vitamins. Your smooth bottom electric kettle uses vitreous enamel in the manufacture of the heating element. Click to find out: What is Enamel

Vitreous enamel is associated with high quality and high performance products. Fire resistance is a necessity seen in constant use on underground station platforms where tunnel linings, fittings and signs are made from vitreous enamel. London’s famous tube map is an enamel product. Its high chemical resistance sees its use in storage tanks for water and sewage, grain silos, chemical processing reactors, and vessels, along with the pipes and valves connecting them. For a complete list of IVE members who are enamellers and suppliers of enamelling related equipment click Enamellers

The combined IVE and VEA offers support both to members in the industry itself and to the public at large. We are available to answer your queries, to help you and to provide information. Contact Us You will find answers to some of your questions in: Frequently Asked Questions

You will find some hints and tips for keeping your enamel clean in:-
How to care for vitreous enamel

Please use the Site Map or 'Search' (Above, Left) to help find what you want to know about vitreous enamel.

39 Sweetbriar Way
Heath Hayes
Cannock
Staffs, WS12 2US
T  +44 (0)1543 450596
F  +44 (0)8700 941237
Email:  [email protected]