In Fabrikaat’s search for a more sustainable use of river clay, they challenge themselves in finding a waterproof coating for unfired/low-temperature fired ceramics. Following the already developed beeswax coating (the coffee-to-throw cup), they explored applications with other natural, renewable resources. Together with Wageningen University Research (WUR) they developed a plant-based waterproof coating for use on circular tableware. The challenge lies in developing a coating that is not only waterproof but also recyclable and sustainably produced. During MaterialDistrict Utrecht 2025 Fabrikaat presented, among other coatings and glazes, this newly developed coating applied on cups. While they created cups and plates coated with this biobased coating, they expanded their portfolio with tiles.

Unfired Nijmegen river clay tiles coloured with various plant pigments and chalk from freshwater mussel shells, finished with a waterproof, biobased coating. 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

Plant pigments
Red: Madder
Blue: Woad
Yellow: Reseda
White: Freshwater mussel shells

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