KÖNITZ FAQ

The properties of ceramic materials depend on their composition and firing process. In porcelain, kaolin contributes to whiteness, while quartz and feldspar influence strength, density and firing behaviour.

A small material science

Porcelain, even soft porcelain is the most common of all porcelain types. Basically, porcelain has a dense sherds and a high hardness. It is acid and alkali resistant, tasteless and a poor conductor of heat.

Basic Bone has a high content of calcium oxide and calcium phosphate, giving it extra transparency and lightness. Basic Bone is considered particularly high quality. It should be remembered that because of the thin sherds, drinks get cold faster, which is why the Italian prefers to enjoy his espresso made from particularly hard and thick sherds. Finally, the taste decides.

Ceramic is a porous earthenware, which is why ceramic products are provided with a waterproof hard glaze. This glaze would stick on firing, so that the foot usually has no glaze. Care should therefore be taken when using the dishwasher and microwave, as water and extreme heat can damage to glazing.

Most KÖNITZ products are designed for normal household use, but dishwasher and microwave suitability depend on the material and decoration. Products with real gold, platinum or other metallic decorations must not be used in a microwave; selected special effects may also require hand washing.

For hospitality applications, please ask us about the suitability of the specific product and decoration.
Please don't put mugs with real metallic decoration in the microwave!

Our products are manufactured in accordance with the applicable requirements for food-contact materials. Compliance is checked regularly and, where required, against customer-specific specifications.

KÖNITZ works with several production locations. Product development, ceramic decal printing and the decoration of many products take place in Germany. The origin of an individual product can be found on its product marking.

Information can be found here under the heading Product safety.

Yes. KÖNITZ products are manufactured in accordance with applicable EU requirements for food-contact materials. Relevant information and documents are available in the Responsibility.”

Many decorations are produced using ceramic screen printing. The artwork is checked, adapted to the mug shape and separated into individual colours. A separate screen is then prepared for each colour before printing. During printing, the ceramic colour is transferred through the screen onto decal paper, one colour at a time. A carrier layer is then applied so the finished decal can be transferred to the porcelain. This carrier layer burns away during firing.

The decal is released from the paper with water and positioned on the mug by hand. The decorated mugs are then fired at around 900 °C, depending on the decoration. During firing, the carrier layer disappears and the ceramic colours become permanently bonded to the surface.

Our decals are made in the Wiedemannsche Druckerei in Saalfeld and all our mugs are decorated in KÖNITZ in Thuringia, Germany. 

For designs with up to three colours, lithography and pre-press cost €16 per colour. For designs with four or more colours, as well as photo and halftone artwork, the charge is €48 per colour. If a sample is requested, an additional charge of €48 per colour and design may apply.

To produce your mug, we need the design you’d like printed on it. You can upload a high-resolution image directly in the configurator, or send it to us via email as an image, PDF file, or an editable file in Photoshop, Illustrator, or InDesign. If additional information is required, your account manager will discuss this with you.

The following file requirements apply to data for our digital printing:

• Print area KC2: 230.1 x 93 mm | Print area KC971: 255.4 x 73.7 mm
• Image resolution: min. 300 dpi
• File formats: PSD / AI / InDesign
• Vivid red: CMYK 0–100–100–0
• Black (fonts/lines/logos): Create 100% black
• Colors with 10% or more opacity can be reproduced
• Line thickness: min. 0.6 pt
• Fonts: Provide as files or convert to vector graphics
• Font height: min. 8 pt

We aim to reproduce the colours of your design as accurately as possible, although ceramic printing has technical limitations. For colour-critical designs, we recommend a sample in advance so any adjustments can be agreed before the production run.

The difference between porcelain, basic bone china, and fine bone china is as follows:

Porcelain is a bright white material with a slight blue tint. It is chip-resistant and tasteless, and is the hardest of the three materials due to its dense body. It is also resistant to acids and alkalis.

Fine bone china is more delicate than porcelain and has a slightly cream-colored appearance. Due to its high content of calcium oxide and calcium phosphate, it can be crafted very finely, so that it sometimes appears translucent and the background can shine through. It is particularly lightweight and is very popular for serving tea and for luxury applications.

Basic Bone is a type of porcelain that resembles Fine Bone in colour and appearance. It is also cream-colored, as well as impact-resistant and flavour-neutral.

Almost anything can be customised. We can decorate nearly every area of the mug with logos, illustrations, patterns and special finishes such as wood or metal the possibilities are endless. We have many examples here.  

You can easily place an order or request a quote by customizing your mug using our mug configurator and then placing your order with us. You can specify directly in the configurator how many mugs, cups, or plates you’d like. You can also choose your decoration options, including all our finishing techniques such as embossed printing or hand-painted rims. Furthermore, it is possible to specify personalizations such as your own back stamp or sequential numbering. Once you have specified all your preferences for the item and packaging and uploaded your logo or design, you can either request a non-binding quote or place an order directly.

However, if you prefer personal contact, we are of course also available by phone and email:

Phone: +49/36732/344-0

Email: info@koenitz-group.com

Once the design has been approved, the order has a delivery time of 15 business days. If you need your product sooner, we can arrange expedited production for an additional €0.60 per item. Delivery times depend on the design and finish. Your account manager will provide you with detailed delivery times.

Every development story starts with an idea. Our ideas are generated by observing trends, intensive dialogue with each other or feedback from our customers. The development is carried out by a permanent team of designers or one of our freelance artists.

Yes. Retailers can purchase products from our standard range under B2B conditions. Contact us at info@koenitz-group.com to request access to the B2B online shop.

Mugs are a particularly popular promotional item and a versatile gift, as they combine functionality, visibility, and emotional appeal. Because they are used every day, brands remain in users’ view for the long term.

The key reasons at a glance:

• High everyday utility

Mugs are used daily, ensuring continuous brand visibility. 

• Large advertising space:

Logos, designs or messages can be placed prominently on the mug.

• Durability:

Porcelain mugs, in particular, are sturdy and accompany users for many years. 

• Emotional connection:

Coffee and tea breaks have positive connotations and transfer this feeling to the brand. 

• Customisable design:

Mugs can be tailored to target audiences, occasions, and brand identities. 

• Versatile use:

Whether as a giveaway, customer gift, or merchandise—mugs are universally applicable. 

Their combination of everyday utility, visibility and emotional appeal makes mugs a popular choice for long-lasting promotional use.

We offer a wide range of exceptional surface finishes that make our cups unique not only visually but also to the touch. These options can be divided into two categories: classic finishing effects and innovative “surfaces” with special textures.

Finishing (Special Effects & Surface Effects):

In the finishing category, various effects are available that specifically create visual or functional highlights:

• Scratch-off surfaces (interactive coatings to scratch off)
• Glow effects (afterglow surfaces)
• Thermic effects (color change due to heat)
• Metallic finishes such as gold or platinum elements
• Writable surfaces (e.g., for personalized messages)
• Hand-painted rims or color-sprayed surfaces as well as photorealistic prints 

These finishes create special visual effects and enhance interaction with the product.

Surfaces (textured and tactile surfaces):

In addition, KÖNITZ offers innovative “Surfaces” that mimic real materials and textures or create entirely new tactile sensations:

• Embossed printing and high-tech textures
• Concrete, steel, or carbon looks (technical/material-like finishes)
• Fashionista (leather-like feel) and luxury surfaces
• Aqua Fun (liquid-like effects)
• Long Last Silk (silky, matte surface)
• Oilpainting (texture of an oil painting)
• Wood look with a noticeable grain, giving the mug the appearance and texture of wood
• Natural Texture (natural, organic surface textures) 

These surfaces make it possible to make mugs “appear to be materials they are not”—such as wood, metal, or fabric—thereby creating a particularly high-quality and surprising product experience.

We combine classic finishing effects with innovative, tactile surface textures. The result is mugs that work not only as advertising media but also as distinctive products with a memorable look and feel.

Dishwasher and microwave suitability depends on the specific finish. Metallic decorations such as gold or platinum must not be used in a microwave.