“Loop” – Local / Reclaimed / Renewed

Sustainable ceramics made from industrial byproduct

There’s something quietly powerful about making with what already exists.

Over the past little while, I’ve been working on a project in collaboration with Boral, exploring how we can take a clay byproduct from their manufacturing process and transform it into sustainable ceramics. What might otherwise be discarded becomes the starting point for something considered, tactile, and lasting.

At its heart, this project is about circular economy ceramics. It’s about asking better questions.
What if waste wasn’t waste?
What if materials could have a second life, not hidden, but celebrated?

From byproduct to clay body

The material itself is a byproduct of Boral’s industrial processes. It’s not something originally intended for ceramics, which meant there was a lot of testing, adjusting, and learning along the way.

We worked to refine the clay body so it could be thrown on the wheel while still retaining its unique character. The result is a beautiful, buff-toned stoneware clay body with natural variation and subtle speckling. It holds a story in its surface. You can see it, feel it.

Each piece made from this clay carries that journey, from industry to hand, from excess to intention, a true example of recycled clay ceramics in practice.

Designing with intention

The forms I’ve created for this project are simple, grounded, and made for everyday use. Pieces that feel good to hold. That sit comfortably in your daily rituals.

The Ridge Tumbler is one of the first designs to come from this collection. Its carved surface catches the light, highlighting the texture and depth of the clay. Each ridge is shaped by hand, making every piece slightly different.

This is handmade Australian ceramics with a deeper story, where sustainability meets craftsmanship.

There’s something really special about that contrast, an industrial beginning paired with a slow, tactile making process.

Why it matters

As makers, the materials we choose matter. This project is one small way of exploring how ceramics can sit within a more sustainable, circular system.

It’s not about perfection. It’s about progress.
About rethinking systems and finding beauty in unexpected places.

Using reclaimed or repurposed materials doesn’t mean compromising on quality or design. If anything, it adds richness. A deeper layer of meaning.

This is where eco-friendly pottery and thoughtful design intersect.

Looking ahead

This is just the beginning of the Boral clay project. There’s so much more to explore, from new forms to further refinement of the clay body itself.

I’m excited to keep pushing this space, to continue experimenting, and to share the journey as it unfolds.

Because sometimes the most meaningful pieces start where you least expect them.