A Made in Britain accredited terracotta manufacturer is playing a key role in the development of materials that could provide a sustainable alternative to concrete in the future
One of the first manufacturers to be accredited with the Made in Britain Environmental and Social Value (ESV) Certification is behind the development of sustainable construction materials in collaboration with designer Lewis Jones.
Darwen Terracotta has worked alongside Lewis on Poured Earth, a project developed as part of the National Festival of Making’s Art in Manufacturing programme and established using his design practice, Matter at Hand. Lewis is developing a range of unfired, clay-based materials that could potentially one day be used instead of concrete, dramatically reducing the environmental impact of building.
Two years after the partnership began, materials developed by Poured Earth were showcased at the National Festival of Making on 4th and 5th July in Blackburn, where the two organisations are based.
The production of concrete is responsible for 8% of all global greenhouse gas emissions, with around 140kg of carbon dioxide produced for each cubic metre of structural concrete. The unfired clay materials being developed by Poured Earth can be produced with close to no carbon emissions.
Simona Weldon, Marketing Manager at Darwen Terracotta, said:
“By supporting Poured Earth, we hope that it will give the information required to create more sustainable homes and buildings around us. We are already working towards this by using terracotta in restoration and new buildings, but Lewis is taking this one step forward – finding other ways of using clay, mixing it with other products and creating better homes for future generations.
“Our involvement in the project complements the Made in Britain ESV Certification, reinforcing our mission to lead by example and encourage others in the sector to take action for a better future. It represents a meaningful step in the right direction towards sustainable construction.
“Sustainability is a core principle at Darwen Terracotta, so we’re always keen to support projects that reinforce our efforts and work towards a better environment.”
Darwen Terracotta is the UK’s largest manufacturer of architectural terracotta, with its history dating back to the late 1800s. Last year, the company began a residency with Lewis Jones, providing Matter in Hand with a workshop in its factory and access to its products to test and trial ideas as part of the Poured Earth project.
Months later, the business’ commitment to sustainability was recognised by Made in Britain, when it was one of the first to be accredited with the trade organisation’s ESV Certification.
The ESV Certification, developed in collaboration with MAP UK & International, allows organisations to practically demonstrate their environmental and social value credentials – helping them to stand out and sell more in a highly competitive market.
Available to all 2,250+ Made in Britain members, it provides a practical, rapid and accessibly priced way for companies to promote their positive impact.
John Pearce, CEO of Made in Britain, said:
“It’s brilliant to see a Made in Britain member making such a positive impact in the journey towards making manufacturing and construction more sustainable.
“We’re all about promoting sustainable growth and the ESV Certification is designed to support that – helping companies to do better business, build resilience and achieve long-term, ‘good’ growth.
“I look forward to seeing the progress of Darwen Terracotta’s partnership with Poured Earth, and how its research and products can be used to improve the quality of construction materials for future generations.”
The National Festival of Making attracts over 40,000 visitors annually and features more than 150 artists and makers across 25+ venues in a celebratory and immersive programme that combines art, manufacturing, film and screen, making and communities.
Commissioning strand, Art in Manufacturing, pairs artists with manufacturers and spaces of making across Lancashire and beyond. Collaborative residencies lead to groundbreaking installations, films and participatory experiences presented throughout the weekend.
An industry conference for professionals in arts, design, architecture, placemaking and manufacturing takes place ahead of the main festival, shining a light on Lancashire as a centre of UK manufacturing and innovation.
The festival is organised by Festival of Making CIC; a not-for-profit arts and culture organisation based in Blackburn, Lancashire.
For more information about Made in Britain and to discover verified UK manufacturers, visit www.madeinbritain.org.
