Research project Elbbackstein6E
Development of manufacturing processes for resource-efficient bricks based on secondary raw materials
Project name Development of manufacturing processes for resource-efficient bricks based on secondary raw materials
Acronym Elbbackstein6E
Project partner
Grantor Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschutz (BMWK): Zentrales Innovationsprogramm Mittelstand (ZIM)
Duration from: 01.09.2025 to: 29.02.2028

Research field
 M+M
(E+E > Energy + Environment
I+I > Information + Intelligence
M+M > Matter + Materials)
Project content The construction industry is the world's largest polluter and consumer of resources. In addition to increasing demands in the area of environmental sustainability, increasingly scarce resources pose a major challenge in international competition. At the same time, the construction sector generates large quantities of construction waste and other industrial by-products. The resulting demolition material is currently mainly used as low-grade bulk material (downcycling) instead of being recycled into high-quality products. Brick is a widely used and popular building material because it is a true all-rounder. However, the production of bricks is very resource- and energy-intensive. The project idea is to produce bricks entirely from secondary raw materials for the first time and to drastically reduce the required firing temperature and firing time by using a novel alkaline-activated binder. This new brick can prevent the extraction of new resources and significantly reduce CO2 emissions caused by the firing process.