Brick Will Be New Application for Recycled Glass

A new program to use recycled glass as a fluxing agent will be introduced early next year.

A CD highlighting the method will be available in February. Called “From Bottles to Bricks,” it gives an overview of the practical and technical benefits of using the material in this way, to supplement traditional clay materials, such as Etruria Marl and Carboniferous Shale.

The new CD has been produced by the Waste & Resources Action Programme.

The CD reports the results of successful independent trials, involving testing to industry standards, conducted over the last three years by the ceramic research organization, CERAM Building Technology.

Results have shown that by adding between 5 and 10 percent glass powder, produced from recycled container glass, to the clay mixture, a range of benefits can be achieved. Depending on clay and kiln type, these benefits include reduced firing temperatures, increased throughput and lower emissions.

Product improvements can also be achieved, such as greater compressive strength and enhanced frost resistance, in addition to the conservation of natural resources achieved by using a higher recycled content.