Mosa and Ardex have joined forces to develop the Re-Tile System, an innovative circular tile solution that allows ceramic tiles to be removed and reused without loss of quality. The system combines Mosa’s long-lasting ceramics with Ardex’s new CircuTec mortar technology, setting a new standard for sustainable construction.

Building for a Circular Future

The built environment is responsible for almost 40% of global CO₂ emissions and a large share of total waste. In the Netherlands, around 40% of all waste comes from construction and demolition. Many high-quality materials, including ceramic tiles, are discarded during renovation despite being perfectly durable.

Mosa and Ardex aim to change that by designing tiles for circular use — extending their lifespan and keeping valuable materials in the loop.

Demountable, Durable and Low-Carbon

At the heart of the system lies Ardex CircuTec, a new generation of tile adhesives that make demountable tiling possible. Tiles installed with CircuTec can be lifted years later, cleaned, and reused in new projects — without damage or quality loss.

The mortar is also cement-free and significantly reduces the environmental footprint, cutting CO₂ emissions by up to 70% compared with conventional tile mortars. Despite these advances, installers can work exactly as they would with traditional adhesives. The application process, durability, and water resistance remain identical, ensuring the same reliability for both professionals and end users.

Proven Performance

Extensive testing at the Ardex facilities has confirmed that Re-Tile performs just as robustly as standard tile systems. The tiles remain firmly fixed until intentionally removed, offering the same comfort, strength, and ease of maintenance as conventional ceramic surfaces.

The Re-Tile System therefore enables circular construction without compromising design quality, functionality, or user experience.

Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold

Mosa’s tiles have been Cradle to Cradle Certified Gold – Full Scope since 2010, meeting strict standards for material health, reuse potential, climate impact, and social responsibility. The Re-Tile System builds on this certification with a Take Back Programme, in which Mosa collects used or clean offcut tiles for cleaning, reuse, or recycling into new high-quality ceramics. This closed-loop approach prevents waste and supports sustainability goals for clients, including housing corporations and developers.

Towards a Circular Standard

The Re-Tile System marks an important step towards circular construction in both renovation and new-build projects. Following its launch in the Netherlands, Mosa and Ardex plan to introduce the system across Europe, with the first completed Re-Tile projects expected by the end of 2025.

Source: Mosa / Ardex
Photo: Ardex