The Principle collection, from Parkside and Alusid, represents a huge step forward for the ceramic tile industry as the world’s first mass produced 95% recycled content tile.
With a tile body made entirely from by-products (post-consumer recycled glass and ceramic) of other manufacturing processes, Principle is based on technology that has taken a bold leap from a small batch production to a fully scalable process. Made by adapting the tile body to work in standard ceramic production facilities, Principle achieves a similar like-to-like cost as some other twice-fired tiles.
The original Sequel Vibe requires making each tile by hand from low value glass and ceramic waste with capacity of approximately 50m2 per week. The new technique developed for Principle uses the same low value materials, but sources them after a further production process for finer granules that can enter the machine-operated ceramic tile production cycle. In turn, Principle enters the world of scalable production with current output of 1,000m2 per day.
Dan Little, managing director, Parkside: “The original process for Sequel Vibe demonstrated that it was possible to create a wall tile using a high content of recycled materials. However, as is often the case with developmental technology, it had manufacturing limitations. With the introduction of Principle, we’ve worked with Alusid, makers of Sequel Vibe, to develop a production process that achieves mass-production that also uses less energy. It’s a big step forward for the industry.”
Principle also addresses the energy used during production by eliminating the spray drying of almost all ceramic tiles in mass production today. An energy and resource intensive process, this means that Principle uses approximately 35% less energy and approximately 75% less water than a similarly produced ceramic tile.
Founded in 2015, Alusid is the result of a research project at the University of Central Lancashire. Setting out to explore ways in which waste and low-value materials destined for landfill could be re-purposed into versatile surface materials, Professor David Binns and Dr Alasdair Bremner developed an innovative and aesthetically versatile surface material made from glass, ceramics and mineral waste.
As such, it becomes the world’s first mass produced 95% recycled content tile. In fact, the body of Principle is entirely made from recycled materials. Alusid is looking at reducing the impact of the glaze to provide further environmental gain for the product in future iterations.
Principle echoes a similar hand-made aesthetic to Vibe, with a colour and depth in each of the four tones inspired by the Victorian period. With classic style that remains timeless and elegant, the tiles look impressive in any setting. Measuring 29.5 x 7.3 x 0.8 cm, Principle is available in colours of green, amber, blue and white.
For further information, 0116 276 2532, info@parkside.co.uk, www.parkside.co.uk
