Tile concept reportedly cuts embodied carbon by 94%

UK tile designer and supplier Johnson Tiles is supporting the commercialisation of a new tile composition with a carbon footprint reportedly 94% lower than conventional ceramic tiles.

The kiln-free, low-energy, bio-based alternative to ceramic substrates has been developed by materials technology company Dekiln. It is now being scaled-up for sustainability-conscious interiors schemes aiming to drive down embodied carbon.

Also containing more than 95% recycled content, Dekiln says its patented technology creates ceramic-like composite materials by combining plant-derived binders with waste mineral powders, such as recycled gypsum plaster. The materials are said to look, feel and have similar properties to ceramics, but do not need to be fired or glazed at high temperatures – avoiding energy intensive kilns that are used to produce traditional ceramics.

“This marks an important milestone for Dekiln as we transition from the laboratory to industrial scale manufacturing,” says Dr. Aled Roberts, Dekiln’s founder and CEO.