Certain process, technique, and management deficits are commonly found in micro- and small-scale brick and tile operations. These deficits can have serious adverse effects on short- or long-term business performance---AND, on the local environment and on community health and safety. Among the most significant areas where economic savings can be realized through cleaner production are management actions that address fuel inefficiencies and energy resource depletion, poor clay mining practices, poor process control, and excess dust/chemical pollution.
Addressing these deficits by adopting resource-efficient and cleaner production (RECP) processes, techniques, and management practices can reduce costs and improve business performance and, at the same time, avoid or minimize adverse impacts on the local environment and on community health and safety. RECP approaches generally focus on improving resource and production efficiency which saves physical and energy resources, time, and money needed in production—and results in less waste and pollution. This briefing supports the application of RECP solutions in these four key areas.
References and Resources
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Three reports detailing the environmental consequences and unsustainable nature of current brick-making practices.
Video demonstrating a new energy efficient, smokeless brick-making technology in Bangladesh.
Video showing how a carbon offset project aims to install fans in existing kilns and install new efficient kilns in the artisanal brick-producing sector of Peru and Ecuador.
This case study discusses the development of technology for improving polluting emissions among small-scale brickmakers in Mexico.
Direct links to online guides for cleaner production in clay brick making.
A series of technical briefs dealing with the drying of clay for brick- and tile making, the preparation of clay, and the molding and firing of clay bricks and tiles. The brief describes basic drying processes, different drying methods, surface treatment, drying tests, choice of drying methods, economics and flexibility. A table explains drying faults, their causes, and remedies.
This report discusses improvements in the brick, tile and lime industry in Indonesia. Particular attention is paid to better ways to prepare clay and keep tiles from breaking in the kiln.
A general discussion of improving energy efficiency in the brick industry. This is not a very technical document, but includes useful starting strategies for dealing with energy issues.
A detailed, step-by-step text on manufacturing glazes from locally available materials.
A useful resource on how to repair cracked kilns.
A comprehensive description of brick production and alternative technologies that improve production. Specific reference to kiln types and different methods of input extraction.
This report analyzes technical and economically feasible means for improving energy efficiency in brick and tile production in Uganda. Specific discussion of fuelwood conservation.
Description of the Bull's Trench Brick Kiln technology. Discusses advantages and disadvantages of the technology, with specific reference to lowering fuel use and improving productivity. Includes diagrams and figures.
This report covers the broader ceramics industry, including pottery, but contains a useful detailed discussion of how to improve energy efficiency in kilns.
This is a larger document on environmental assessment of microenterprises, but includes a case study of brickmakers in Zimbabwe.
This paper discusses the efficiency and environmental soundness of adopting the Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK) technology in India.