FabBRICK is transforming textile waste into eco-friendly bricks
The world is changing, and so is the way we build things. Traditional construction materials have been causing environmental and resource problems, but now there are new, exciting alternatives on the rise. One of these innovative materials is FabBRICK, a brick made from waste fabrics. Let’s take a closer look at this game-changing product and how it’s making a positive impact on the construction industry.
FabBRICK was created by a young architect named Clarisse Merlet in 2019. But the idea for this revolutionary product started back when she was still a student. In 2017, Clarisse realized that the construction industry was harming the environment and using up a lot of energy. She decided to explore different ways of building, focusing on materials like plastic bottles, cardboard, and plastic cups that are often thrown away but could be used in construction. As she researched, she discovered that the textile industry was also producing a lot of waste. This led her to the idea of using textile materials in construction, starting with cotton because of its great acoustic and thermal insulation properties.
FabBRICK works with other businesses to tackle textile waste. Their main aim is to show the importance of recycling waste and challenge companies to cut down on their waste production. By taking textile waste from these businesses, FabBRICK creates new design products and sends them back. This helps the companies understand the amount of waste they generate each year and encourages them to make positive changes in how they handle their waste.
In simple terms, FabBRICK is a type of brick that can be used not only as standalone units and partition walls but also as integrated components in various products like chairs and tables. These bricks are made through a detailed process that starts with discarded clothes being brought to a Parisian studio. The clothes are sorted by colour, and the customer gets to choose from a range of sizes and hues for their project. The studio doesn’t use traditional dyeing methods, instead relying on the natural colors of the textiles themselves.
From Textiles to Bricks
Imagine a world where old textiles are transformed into sturdy bricks for construction projects. This is exactly what happens at FabBRICK. The process begins with shredding textiles into fibres of different lengths – 7mm, 20mm, and 40mm. These fibres are carefully chosen based on the specific needs of each project.
Next comes the crucial step of creating 100% ecological glue. This glue is mixed by hand with the fibers to ensure that each resulting brick has a uniform density. This step is important to make sure the bricks are strong and durable.
Once the glue-fibre mixture is ready, it is manually incorporated into a special machine. This machine then compresses the mixture for 30 minutes inside a mould. After this, the bricks are left to dry for 10 to 15 days in the open air. This drying process is essential to make sure the bricks are solid and ready for use.
After the drying process is complete, the bricks are ready to be used for construction. FabBRICK offers different models of these eco-friendly bricks for various projects.
Wall covering: Looking to add a unique touch to your walls? FabBRICK has got you covered with their handmade coating products that measure 20 x 10 x 2.5 cm. These products not only create a different atmosphere in your interior space but also highlight the potential of waste textile products.
Collaborations to utilise waste: Aside from selling and marketing their products, FabBRICK also offers a service to procure textile waste needed for their projects from collaborating brands. By doing so, these brands show their commitment to sustainability by utilising leftover fabrics and also benefit economically from these collaborations.
Furniture and design products: Using recycled textiles, FabBRICK offers a range of design products for interiors. From lamps to tables, seats to decorative objects, FabBRICK has an e-shop where you can make individual purchases based on your desired texture and design preferences.
FabBRICK is on a mission to reduce waste and save resources by using textile waste to create eco-friendly bricks. They are working towards becoming a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials and are already making waves in the industry.
One of FabBRICK’s goals is to establish factories in different regions to make their products more accessible. By using textile waste that is abundant in each area, they can create bricks while minimizing energy use and preserving regional resources.
Big names in the fashion industry, like Levis and Decathlon, have taken notice of FabBRICK’s environmentally friendly approach. These companies are not only customers but also suppliers of raw materials for the bricks. This collaboration is helping to reduce textile waste and promote sustainability.
Impact and Solutions
Europe produces millions of tons of textile waste each year, with only a small percentage being recycled. FabBRICK is tackling this issue by reintegrating textile waste into daily life through their brick production. Since 2018, they have created over 40,000 bricks, representing 12 tons of recycled textiles.
Additionally, FabBRICK offers workshops to meet the demands of customers and continue to diversify their production. This hands-on approach allows them to cater to a variety of customer profiles and materials, further expanding their impact
Download Our Free Magazine
Get Industry Insights, Trends & Latest Innovations in the Textile & Apparel Industry
