TERRA_TORY IOBC

In its ongoing exploration of more sustainable applications for river clay, Fabrikaat has focused on developing waterproof coatings suitable for unfired and low-temperature fired ceramics. Following an earlier development of a beeswax-based coating—applied in projects such as the reusable coffee-to-go cup—the studio investigated alternative natural and renewable resources. In collaboration with Wageningen University & Research (WUR), Fabrikaat developed a plant-based waterproof coating intended for circular tableware applications. The objective was to create a coating that is not only water-resistant, but also recyclable and sustainably produced. During MaterialDistrict Utrecht 2025, Fabrikaat presented this newly developed bio-based coating applied to ceramic cups, alongside other coatings and glazes. Building on this research, the studio expanded its application to tiles.

Unfired Nijmegen river clay tiles coated with a waterproof, biobased coating with pigments from recycled iron oxides. The tiles are only coated on the top and sides, leaving the bottom bare. Once the tiles are at the end of their life, they can be submerged in water, allowing to reclaim the clay and removing the biodegradeable coating.

Nijmegen river clay

Recycled iron oxides pigment; Yellow, Red, Black

The waterproof biobased coating deleveloped in collaboration with Wageningen University & Research.