Vandersanden has upgraded its brick factory in Beek, the Netherlands, with a new steam-drying system. The €35 million investment makes the site the first in Europe to use saturated steam for brick drying. The goal is clear: a faster, cleaner and more efficient production process.

From Gas to Steam

Most brick factories dry their products with hot air from natural gas burners. This method works, but it uses a lot of energy. It also creates a large share of a factory’s CO₂ emissions. Vandersanden chose a different approach in Beek. The new system uses saturated steam instead of hot air.

The factory generates this steam in two ways. First, it captures waste heat from the kiln. Second, it uses electric heat pumps. By doing so, the site cuts back heavily on direct gas use during drying. This shift changes the entire energy flow of the production line.

A Faster and More Controlled Drying Process

Steam behaves differently from hot air. When it touches the surface of the bricks, it releases heat in a steady and even way. This creates a very stable drying climate. As a result, the moisture level drops faster and more evenly.

The new system shortens the drying process by about 30 per cent. It also reduces the chance of cracks or uneven shrinkage. For architects and designers, this means more consistent bricks with reliable colour and size. These qualities matter when projects depend on uniform façades or paving patterns.

Lower Emissions Through Smarter Energy Use

Because the factory reuses heat that was once lost, it now runs on a more circular energy loop. The electric heat pumps support this process without burning fossil fuels. Together, these steps cut the site’s total CO₂ emissions by roughly 25 per cent. This reduction improves the environmental profile of ceramic materials, which have long been seen as energy-intensive.

A Shift in Ceramic Manufacturing

The introduction of steam drying marks an important move in the European brick industry. It shows how a traditional material can evolve through technology. Steam-based drying offers better energy performance, more control and a clear reduction in emissions. For architects, landscape designers and urban planners, it offers a lower-impact option within the world of high-performance façade and paving materials.

Source & photo: Vandersanden