Recycled glaze
︎︎︎ From the sawdust of natural stones

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, iron, copper, quartz sand, limestone and much more. A brief insight into the destructive extent of mines can be found here︎︎︎. 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.


Clay turning and biscuit firing by Elena Krafft


The main ingredient in this recycled glaze is the sawdust from the Dichtl company in Southern Germany (62%), only 60km from the studio. We also use dust from Barbany Artesans in Barcelona when there is a shortage, as the winter in southern Germany is too cold for stone work. A wonderful side effect of this collaboration is that we are using the dust from the figures that adorn the Sagrada Familia.
The processing of the various natural stones also produces large quantities of stone dust, which could not be used so far. Up to 40 tons per month are deposited at each production site. This glaze gives the „waste“ a further task for the first time and thus replaces many valuable resources. Thanks to our meticulous examination of natural stones, we can dispense with many common additives such as metal oxides, ball clay, bone ash, kaolin and much more. Perhaps the biggest milestone is that this glaze does not require quartz sand: The main ingredient in most common glazes. Stones already contain enough quartz. In addition, we only need two additional aids, 100% made in Germany.




Another advantage is that the water required for processing is already pressed out of the stone dust in the production facilities. Originally to comply with landfill regulations. But as luck would have it, the dust is thus perfectly prepared for us and enables us to produce very quickly and with low energy consumption in just a few steps.

The different types of stone constantly create new colors and structures in the glaze. Transparency and gloss also change. The type of clay, the mixing ratio and the processing method also play a major role. As a result, this glaze always remains exciting and yet constant: in three years, we have developed a recipe that works with almost every type of stone. We also take material samples on an ongoing basis and adjust the recipe in detail.

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. Also with stone dust residues. The associated labels are printed on remaining stock from large and local printing companies that would otherwise be thrown away. The paper was saved in cooperation with Stefan from Papierretter.com︎︎︎

The labels were printed in cooperation with thehappyclub.de︎︎︎, a local risography studio that uses one of the most sustainable printing processes with plant-based colors.
 
Larger bags are sewn from old tarpaulins or advertisement banners. We also tried to set up a deposit system to create a packaging cycle. Unfortunately, reusable systems are still not established in many countries apart from Germany, and our customers have not joined in. One day we will try again.