The Aesthetic of waste - collaborative research exploring the creative and commercial potential of kiln cast re-cycled mineral waste

Abstract

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN), Preston, UK, initiated a research to introduce small amounts of recyclate into conventional clay forming processes. The new materials exhibits unique qualities and is durable, with functional properties, which allow application in a variety of architectural contexts, such as cladding sheets, facing bricks, tiling systems and work-surfaces. The process involves sintering materials such as recycled container glass, waste from the tableware and sanitary-ware industries, steel smelting, coal fired power stations and ash from incinerated domestic waste. Color and texture can be engineered to client's specific requirements, to blend or contrast with existing materials, fine or course in texture or embedded with larger decorative fragments of mineral waste. UCLAN work has shown that any second-quality casts or waste trimmings and sludges from machining may be directly returned into the production process, avoiding manufacturing waste, and satisfying closed-loop manufacturing.