Alusid

Alusid is a British manufacturer that creates sustainable architectural surfaces, including tiles and countertops, from recycled materials. The company emerged in 2015 from an academic research project at the University of Central Lancashire led by Professor David Binns and Dr Alasdair Bremner, who now serve as Creative Director and CEO, respectively. Their research, titled 'The Aesthetic of Waste', explored how low-value industrial waste like ceramics and glass could be repurposed into high-value building materials. Both founders have a background in ceramics and an interest in architecture and environmental sustainability.

The company's core product, initially branded as Silicastone, is made from at least 98% recycled content, primarily post-consumer glass and pre-consumer porcelain waste. Alusid employs a patented, low-impact process that fuses materials at controlled temperatures without using resins or concrete, resulting in a fully recyclable, handcrafted product. This method consumes significantly less energy and water compared to conventional tile manufacturing. The company has developed processes for both handmade batch production at its Preston facility and mass manufacturing through sub-contractors in Spain and Italy, allowing it to scale production significantly.

Alusid operates on a B2B model, supplying its products to architects, designers, and retailers. Its client roster includes major brands such as Nando's, Starbucks EMEA, Harrods, Pret a Manger, and H&M. The company has established key distribution partnerships with Panaz, Parkside Architectural Tiles (the commercial arm of Topps Tiles), and FRONT Materials, which has exclusive rights for the Netherlands and markets across Europe and the Americas. Revenue is generated through the sale of its sustainable surfaces. Alusid has received funding from entities including Innovate UK, Frontier IP Group, and Octopus Investments to support its growth and expansion.

Keywords: sustainable surfaces, recycled building materials, architectural materials, circular economy, ceramic tiles, glass recycling, Silicastone, low-carbon manufacturing, commercial interiors, sustainable design, porcelain recycling, wall coverings, tabletops, floor tiles, green building, waste valorization, eco-friendly materials, patented process, university spin-out, David Binns, Alasdair Bremner