Circular Economy in Bricks: Resource, Water, and Energy Savings via Refinery Oily Sludge
The ceramic industry is one of the oldest and most energy-intensive manufacturing sectors, and fired clay bricks remain among the most widely used construction materials worldwide. (1−4) Global production reaches hundreds of billions of units annually, driven by the demand for affordable housing and infrastructure. However, conventional brick manufacturing requires large quantities of virgin clay, significant process water, and high firing temperatures of 900–1200 °C sustained primarily by fossil fuels. (5−7)
These factors contribute to land degradation from clay extraction, significant greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and a considerable water footprint, especially critical in regions already facing water scarcity. (8,9) Such environmental pressures make the sector an important target for sustainability transitions aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
