Recycled glaze
︎︎︎ From the sawdust of natural stones
This glaze is produced by Studio Peipei itself. The current quantity of 2-3 tonnes per month can be scaled up to 20-30 tonnes per month at any time. Shop here︎︎︎
The ceramics industry consumes a large amount of different raw materials and yet is less in the spotlight than other sectors, such as the construction or automotive industries. In fact, all three need the same resources, for example cobalt, copper, quartz sand, limestone and much more.
A brief insight into the destructive extent of mines can be found here︎︎︎. And these “strategic raw materials” are being fought over ever more fiercely, as it has become clear how dependent entire countries are on them. The switch to sustainable solar energy, for example, will greatly increase the demand for copper, a resource that simply produces greenish to turquoise colors in a glaze and is then forever fused with other things. On the one hand, this raises the question of what is more important, and on the other, it shows how everything is connected.
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The main ingredient in this recycled glaze is the sawdust from the Dichtl company in Southern Germany (62%), only 60km from the studio. The processing of the various natural stones also produces large quantities of stone dust, which has not yet been used. This glaze gives the „waste“ a further task for the first time and thus replaces many valuable resources. Perhaps the biggest milestone is that this glaze does not require quartz sand: The main ingredient in most common glazes. Because the stones already contain enough quartz. In addition, the otherwise long list of ingredients has been limited to just three in total; a waste source for the other two is already being sought.
It is more urgent than ever that all sectors work together to create local material cycles.
This project aims to set a good example and encourage others to follow the same direction.
This project aims to set a good example and encourage others to follow the same direction.
The main ingredient in this recycled glaze is the sawdust from the Dichtl company in Southern Germany (62%), only 60km from the studio. The processing of the various natural stones also produces large quantities of stone dust, which has not yet been used. This glaze gives the „waste“ a further task for the first time and thus replaces many valuable resources. Perhaps the biggest milestone is that this glaze does not require quartz sand: The main ingredient in most common glazes. Because the stones already contain enough quartz. In addition, the otherwise long list of ingredients has been limited to just three in total; a waste source for the other two is already being sought.
The different types of stone constantly create new colors and textures in the glaze. Transparency and gloss also change. The type of clay, mixing ratio and application method also play a major role. This means that this glaze always remains exciting and yet is constant: a medium-sized stone processing company produces up to 40 tons of dust every month.
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In addition to recycling raw materials, packaging is also a big issue. This glaze is intended to solve one problem, not open another. That's why sustainability is taken into account here at various levels.
The small test bags are made of uncoated paper, 100% recycled and recyclable. The associated labels are printed on remaining stock from large printing companies that would otherwise be thrown away. The paper was saved in cooperation with Stefan from Papierretter.com︎︎︎
The labels were printed in cooperation with thehappyclub.de︎︎︎, a local risography studio that uses one of the most sustainable printing processes with plant-based colors.
5-20 kg bags are sewn from old tarpaulins and are in a deposit system. The studio takes back empty bags and refills them. The only way to truly save materials.
The small test bags are made of uncoated paper, 100% recycled and recyclable. The associated labels are printed on remaining stock from large printing companies that would otherwise be thrown away. The paper was saved in cooperation with Stefan from Papierretter.com︎︎︎
The labels were printed in cooperation with thehappyclub.de︎︎︎, a local risography studio that uses one of the most sustainable printing processes with plant-based colors.
5-20 kg bags are sewn from old tarpaulins and are in a deposit system. The studio takes back empty bags and refills them. The only way to truly save materials.
Foto by Matthias Ziemer
