BIOFUEL WASTE IS BLISS
The Biofuel Waste is Bliss project redefines the use of ashes from bioenergy waste streams, creating new environmentally-friendly materials and architectural products, such as ceramic glazing for tiles and bricks. Sourced from the Vilnius Heat Plant in Lithuania, approximately 460 tonnes of wood ash waste are generated monthly, posing disposal challenges. Vilnius Heat Plant utilises forestry residue as a primary source of biomass for energy production. Currently, only a small portion of the waste is repurposed for road fillers, despite the non-toxic nature of the ashes, which makes them suitable for upcycling. Globally, millions of tonnes of bioenergy ashes end up in landfills. By incorporating up to 55% ash content in ceramic glazes and clay bodies, the project aims to replace the need for newly extracted materials while reducing the industry's CO2 footprint.
By incorporating wood ash waste into ceramic glazes and clay bodies, the Biofuel Waste is Bliss project taps into historical evidence of using ash as a glaze material, dating back to ancient China. This technique gained popularity in Asia and continues to be employed by artisans worldwide today. However, sourcing consistent quantities of wood ashes presents a challenge. The production of usable ash requires the burning of a substantial amount of wood or plant matter, making it economically inefficient. In response to these factors, the Biofuel Waste is Bliss project aspires to develop entirely new formulations and materials, paving the way for a scalable and replicable model in utilising ash waste from biomass burning.
The Biofuel Waste is Bliss project collaborates with environmental scientist Marija Spokaite to ensure environmental performance. This includes a thorough review of scientific literature and conducting experiments to develop materials and architectural products that utilise waste in an environmentally optimal manner. By working closely with the scientist, the project avoids greenwashing and substantiate its sustainable claims, addressing a common concern in design projects. Taking a holistic approach, the project evaluates the sustainability of other ceramic materials used in glazes (ceramic glazes typically contain 3-8 chemical compounds), selecting ethical alternatives without toxic substances like lead and barium. Moreover, the project examines ceramic innovation and promotes the use of renewable energy sources. This information serves as motivation for producers to adopt sustainable practices in their own operations.
Ceramic production has a significant environmental impact due to high energy consumption and CO2 emissions. It involves the production of 1.39 trillion fired bricks and 14 billion tiles annually, highlighting its widespread use. Raw material mining and transport further contribute to emissions and environmental harm. Ceramic tile production consumes approximately 250 million tons of raw materials annually worldwide, making it a crucial area for waste recycling and resource management. The ongoing Biofuel Waste is Bliss project research reveals that glazes and clay bodies can incorporate 55% or more ashes. Extensive research is exploring different aspects, such as incorporating waste in clay and glaze, applying it to various surfaces, and experimenting with different clays, firing temperatures, programs, and kiln types. Each modification requires specific chemical formulations. The incorporation of ash in ceramic glazes offers several benefits, making it an environmentally sustainable choice. Ash serves as a natural substitute for calcium, silicium, and other minerals found in wood ash waste, reducing the need for extracting these minerals from traditional sources. The melting oxides in the ash react during firing, creating a liquid phase that lowers the melting point of the clay and glaze. Furthermore, in the ceramic firing process, present minerals do not release CO2 as they have already been burned during the biofuel burning process. Additionally, the project utilises the natural iron content (approximately 2%) present in the ash as the sole source of colour for the Biofuel Waste is Bliss products. This eliminates the need for additional metal oxides, which can have negative environmental impacts. The Biofuel Waste is Bliss project effectively reduces the environmental impact of ceramic production by minimising waste, conserving resources, diverting materials away from landfills, saving energy and reducing CO2 footprint. Incorporating such waste materials doesn't require major changes to the equipment or manufacturing process.
Created by Studio Agne
