Belgian manufacturer launches first CO2-negative facing brick

Flemish brick manufacturer Vandersanden is launching the first facing brick that absorbs carbon dioxide during the production process, making it CO2-negative

Unlike conventional bricks, the Pirrouet facing brick, for which the company holds a European patent, is not fired in a gas oven but using CO2 emitted from other factories. The CO2 causes a reaction that produces a hard, limestone-like brick that meets the European standard for ceramic facing bricks. The brick absorbs up to 60 kg of CO2 during the process and is made from 80 per cent steel industry residuals.

"We are starting with a capacity of 20 million bricks, but we hope to double that by next year"

The company has built a new factory to produce the bricks at its current site in Lanklaar, Limburg. "In the first phase, we expect to employ around 20 to 30 new people," says managing director Rudi Peeters. The brick will initially be available on the Belgian and Dutch markets from next year.

According to Peeters, there is already a lot of interest. "We are starting with a capacity of 20 million bricks, but we hope to double that by next year. Years of hard work have gone into developing a CO2-negative and circular facing brick." CO2-negative bricks have been available for interior walls for some time.

^{#FlandersNewsService | CEO of the Vandersanden stone factory Rudi Peeters © BELGA PHOTO CHRISTOPHE KETELS}