Tuesday 21 January 2020

World’s ‘first recycled brick’ goes into production

The 'world's first recycled brick' has gone into production.

Created by Kenoteq Ltd, a cleantech spin-out from Heriot-Watt University, the K-Briq is made from 90% recycled construction and demolition waste.

To make one generates just a tenth of the carbon dioxide emissions of a traditional fired brick and uses less than a tenth of the energy in its manufacture - it can also be made in any colour.

The firm says it looks like a normal brick and has all of the same vital properties but provides better insulation.

It is not kiln-fired so it avoids the emissions associated with heating and powering a furnace.

Professor Gabriela Medero said: "We hope K-Briq will help support the sustainability ambitions of today’s construction industry.

"I have spent many years researching building materials and have been concerned that modern construction techniques exploit raw materials without considering that they are amongst the largest contributors to carbon emissions. The amount of waste they produce is not sustainable long-term."