Every year, significant amounts of ceramic waste are incinerated in the Netherlands, while simultaneously there is a growing demand for raw materials in industries such as brickmaking. Addressing this challenge, a circular chain collaboration has resulted in innovative new applications for recycled ceramics, including high-quality bricks for construction and elegant tableware for interiors. During Dutch Design Week in October, Studio Lotte Douwes showcased tableware made from these circular materials, highlighting the potential of residual ceramic waste.

The Challenge
Each year, approximately 50,000 kilograms of ceramic waste is collected by the Kringloop Zwolle and Noggus&Noggus reuse organisations. These materials include broken crockery such as cups, plates, and bowls. Much of this waste currently ends up in landfills or incinerators due to its limited resale value. In response, a collaboration was formed between these organisations, Studio Lotte Douwes, and ceramic experts at Aberson to explore the potential of transforming ceramic waste into new materials and products.

Circular Bricks and Tableware
Through careful sorting and processing, ceramic waste is crushed into a fine material that can be repurposed for new uses. Aberson, a brickmaking specialist, has successfully incorporated this recycled ceramic material into high-quality bricks. The first circular bricks have been produced, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional construction materials.

Studio Lotte Douwes, meanwhile, has explored the possibilities of turning ceramic waste into elegant tableware. Her designs utilise fine recycled ceramic powder to create functional, aesthetic products such as plates, cups, and candlestick holders. These items are not only durable but also highlight the beauty of sustainable materials. You can find this material in our collection here.

Material Innovation
The project’s success lies in its meticulous approach to material development. By experimenting with various ceramic streams, including porcelain and stoneware, the team developed recipes to produce 100% recycled ceramics. The result is a range of high-quality materials that meet both aesthetic and functional requirements for design applications.

For designers, architects, and product developers, these circular ceramics present exciting opportunities. Bricks made from recycled ceramics are not only environmentally friendly but also offer a unique texture and finish that can enhance architectural projects. Similarly, tableware created from these materials combines sustainability with elegant design, making it ideal for interior and product design.

Scaling Up
A key aim of the initiative is to scale up the collection and sorting of ceramic waste, enabling broader application of circular ceramics. The Kringloop Zwolle has already developed sorting infrastructures to separate ceramic materials from other waste streams effectively. With these systems in place, production can expand to meet growing demand from architects, designers, and manufacturers seeking sustainable alternatives.

The Future of Circular Design
This project demonstrates how cross-sector collaboration can drive innovation in sustainable materials. By repurposing waste ceramics into new products, the initiative not only reduces environmental impact but also inspires creative applications in architecture, interior design, and product development. Architects and designers are increasingly drawn to these materials for their aesthetic qualities and circular origins.

Circular ceramics, such as those developed by Studio Lotte Douwes and Aberson, represent a significant step towards sustainable design. With their potential for use in construction, interiors, and tableware, these innovations highlight the transformative power of material reuse. As the infrastructure for collecting and recycling ceramics grows, circular products are set to play a larger role in shaping a more sustainable future.

Source: WaardeRing
Photos: WaardeRing