Brick (Clay-Based Bricks)

Clay bricks are one of the oldest and most durable construction materials, widely used across Europe. It is made of clay, sand and water and typically produced by firing the material in the desired shape. The main clay-based construction materials are Façade bricks or tiles, structural bricks and roofing tiles. In the context of circular economy practices, several strategies are being implemented to reduce their environmental impact of clay-based bricks. During manufacturing, efforts are made to refuse traditional fired bricks by developing alternatives like geopolymer bricks or the K-Briq, which is made from 90% construction and demolition waste. Reduction strategies include optimizing brick design—such as using thinner bricks or brick slips—to lower raw material use by up to 70%. Remanufacturing is common, with internal production waste being reused, resulting in virtually zero waste during production. Additionally, recycling of external waste materials like sawdust, sewage sludge, and ash into bricks is being explored.

At the end of life, bricks can be reused if carefully dismantled, especially when lime mortar is used instead of cement. Up to 85% of bricks can be salvaged with proper demolition techniques. Remanufacturing includes turning old bricks into thinner decorative slips, while repurposing involves using crushed bricks in road construction or as filler material. Recycling options include using brick waste in geopolymer production or as a supplementary cementitious material.