Environmental benefits of Clay pavers
Sustainable construction starts with sustainable materials. Clay pavers have been used for centuries and offer a wide range of environmental benefits.
How long do clay pavers last?
The average lifespan of clay pavers is around 135 years. The specific composition of the clay and the firing process make them less porous than regular facing bricks, making them highly resistant to severe frost, heavy loads, wear, and aggressive substances.
However, a long lifespan is not the only sustainable benefit. Unlike concrete, clay pavers contain no colourants or surface coatings. Their natural colour is created by combining different types of clay, minerals, and sand, making them naturally colourfast. Weather conditions and other external factors do not affect their colour. On the contrary, clay paving becomes even more attractive as it ages. Research also shows that around 90% of clay pavers are reused, making them an important part of the circular economy.
A sustainable production process
Vandersanden’s production process for clay pavers is designed to be as energy efficient as possible. We only use renewable energy and generate part of our own energy through solar panels on our production sites. In addition, we reuse the heat generated by our energy-efficient tunnel kilns to dry the pavers before firing.
We also minimise waste wherever possible. The rinsing water used during production is purified through an internal recycling system and reused. In addition, a large proportion of our river clay is extracted locally, reducing transport distances and emissions.
From river clay extraction to biodiversity
We use river clay in our clay mixtures, which is officially recognised as a renewable raw material. Rivers deposit more clay than the industry extracts. Extracting clay from river floodplains also helps improve water safety and reduce the risk of flooding.
Clay extraction helps create new and varied natural landscapes that become home to countless plants and animals. In this way, clay extraction contributes to biodiversity.
In recent years, the brick industry has successfully reduced emissions while continuing to produce high-quality and sustainable products. This is how the industry contributes to preserving our ecosystem.
Reuse your paving
Clay pavers are a highly sustainable solution for garden paving. Their long lifespan also gives them a high residual value: even after decades of use, clay pavers can be reused in new garden designs. Thanks to their timeless appearance, they continue to look beautiful for generations.
Decorative clay paving has been part of our culture for hundreds of years. Natural weathering only enhances its attractive and authentic character. As a genuine natural product, clay paving combines beautifully with garden greenery and other sustainable materials such as wood.
Clay pavers also support sustainable water management. The many joints between the pavers help rainwater drain away during heavy rainfall. Our range of moulded pavers is available with spacers. These create attractive, straight lines with a guaranteed joint width of approximately 3 mm, improving water permeability.
Everything you need to know about garden paving
Contact a garden expert
Customer Service
Advice on bricks, brick slips and pavers.
+44 (0)1954 268 075 [email protected] Ask your question