Humade, Groningen Seaports, Deltares, and Koninklijke Tichelaar join forces for research on the use of dredged silt from the Wadden Sea in the ceramic industry. The Waddenfonds will support this project with a substantial subsidy.

Three large-scale projects in Friesland that stimulate tourism and the economy receive subsidies from the Waddenfonds. One of them is the establishment of a circular production chain for ceramics using silt from the Wadden Sea. Design studio Humade initiated the study on this in 2020.

The Sea Silt Ceramics project involves desalinating the silt and establishing a circular pilot production line in which the silt is used to manufacture certified ceramics (façade panels). The goal is to develop a large-scale procedure for processing silt from the Eems-Dollard. Silt is extensively removed from the Eems-Dollard area to significantly improve water quality by combating turbidity. Alongside Humade, Groningen Seaports, and Deltares, Koninklijke Tichelaar B.V. aims to build on the successful research conducted at the Open Atelier last year, celebrating the 450th anniversary of the ceramic company. The costs for Sea Silt Ceramics amount to € 1,558,724, of which the Waddenfonds contributes € 722,349. This subsidy marks a significant step towards a circular ceramic production chain.

Jan Kok, Commercial Director of Koninklijke Tichelaar, states, "For over 450 years, we have been an innovative company. We are proud to collaborate with these partners in exploring a new raw material from our own region that will propel us forward for a long time.”