Closing the loop: the value of sustainable commercial tiles

The mounting pressure to meet sustainability targets and regulations across construction – as well as a general shift in public attitudes towards the need to protect the planet – means that the architects and designers must also consider the environmental impact of any design scheme.

Whether the project is a refurbishment or new build, it’s more important than ever to choose sustainability at every level of the design process. This includes interior and exterior tiles, which can play a valuable role in maximising a scheme’s green credentials when factors like materials and manufacturers are carefully considered.

Supply chain circularity

A circular supply chain is an extension of the circular economy, which is guided by three core principles of sustainability: reduce, reuse, and recycle. Lessening the construction industry’s reliance on new and natural materials while also minimising waste, these principles can be applied at every level of the supply chain and throughout the lifecycle of a building.

However, as is often the case, applying these principles to any scheme is easier said than done and there are several economic and logistical factors to consider on a project-to-project basis. In particular, recyclability is a complex matter. Some products can be made from recycled materials but can’t then be recycled at the end of their lifecycle, and others can be recycled in theory but require an extremely energy-intensive process to do so.

With this in mind, a growing number of manufacturers across the industry are offering products with full ‘cradle to cradle’ recyclability – closing the loop of the circular supply chain.

Tile manufacturers are increasingly striving to achieve this level of product recycling. This is great news for the commercial sector, which often sees tiles act as a key element of its interior and exterior designs. But how can specifiers and designers be sure a tile range meets ‘cradle to cradle’ recyclability?

What to look for

There are a number of accreditations to look for when choosing sustainable tiles. This includes products with Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) documentation, which provides a detailed breakdown of a product’s environmental impact throughout its lifecycle – from mining to disposal. This level of detail at all stages provides specifiers with total transparency and the reassurance needed for a product’s place in a scheme aiming towards circularity.

It's also valuable to gain knowledge of a manufacturer’s processes, which is a great way to ascertain its credibility in terms of sustainability. CTD Architectural Tiles is proud to be the UK’s leading supplier of Mosa, a Dutch tile manufacturer dedicated to embracing the ‘cradle to cradle’ philosophy. Following years of investment into researching best practice and solutions, Mosa is the first ceramic tile manufacturer in the world to achieve full Cradle to Cradle Certification® Gold accreditation, which applies to almost its entire collection.

What’s more, the actual material of a tile can have an important impact on its level of sustainability. For example, porcelain offers a number of eco-friendly benefits as a raw, natural material. It creates minimal waste during the manufacturing process, and any waste produced can be recycled.

Of course, as a specialist commercial tile supplier, we are well-placed to offer guidance on the products and manufacturers that meet the sustainability requirements of individual projects – as well as other must-haves such as practical benefits and styles.

Without compromise

Fortunately, as an increasing number of tile manufacturers receive environmental accreditations, more choice becomes available. This means that new commercial buildings can ‘go green’ without compromising on safety and hygiene, or aesthetics – vital considerations for any project.

Mosa offers a variety of tiles suitable for a series of applications and design styles through CTD Architectural Tiles, from the classically simplistic Global porcelain floor tile range to its three-part collection of Murals ceramic wall tiles, which offer a unique solution for interior designs– all while prioritising the planet.