Sea silt Ceramics

From sea sludge to circular ceramics.

A sustainable, innovative, and ecologically restorative solution.

Design studio Humade presents Sea Silt Ceramics: an innovation using excess sea silt from the vulnerable Eems-Dollard estuary to create high-quality ceramic products. This marks the beginning of an entirely new circular production chain, supporting sustainable construction, eco-friendly ceramic manufacturing, and biodiversity restoration.

In collaboration with Kon.Tichelaar, Groningen Seaports, and Deltares, Humade is developing a stable, certifiable, and scalable process that incorporates at least 70% silt per recipe. The method significantly reduces energy use and transport through lower firing temperatures and local sourcing.

Since 2020, Humade has developed over 400 clay recipes and 350 glaze tests, enabling the silt to be used across various ceramic techniques including extrusion, pressing, casting, and 3D printing. This versatility allows for applications ranging from ceramic design products to modular, reusable façade systems.

Sea Silt Ceramics demonstrates how local waste streams can drive a regenerative economy and pave the way for a sustainable global future.