Natural Clay Plaster Addresses Energy Use and Waste

Clayworks manufactures low-carbon clay plaster for interior walls from natural ingredients. The plaster is non-toxic and can be recycled or composted to minimise construction waste.

Clayworks has developed an alternative to conventional gypsum or lime-based plaster for interior wall surfacing. Their plasters are produced using natural ingredients sourced from Cornwall in England, and contain no synthetic additives or volatile organic compounds. In addition to aesthetic benefits, natural clay plasters can help to regulate temperature and humidity to create a comfortable living environment.

Clayworks have a strong emphasis on climate impact. At 0.8 kg CO2 equivalent per square metre, their products contain 75% less embedded emissions than traditional plasters. Clayworks also have considered the full life-cycle of the product. Their plasters can be recycled, reused or composted, helping them reduce the quantity of building materials that are landfilled.

The construction sector contributes a significant amount to global waste streams. According to the Waste and Resources Action Programme, the English construction sector produces 120 million tonnes of waste materials annually, 13% of which is new and unused. Designing building materials to have low embedded emissions and a circular life-cycle is an important step in reducing energy use and waste in the sector.

Responsible production and consumption
The life-cycle based approach to developing Clayworks’ clay plaster contributes to the sound management of resources, reduces waste generation, and facilitates resource recovery.

Climate action
Clayworks’ clay plaster has significantly less embedded emissions than conventional building materials, helping to reduce emissions from construction.