FRONT (formerly StoneCycling) and UK-based Alusid have teamed up to launch Skip Tile — a ceramic tile that skips a major polluting part of traditional tile production. The result? One of the lowest-emission ceramic tiles available today.
Over the past decade, FRONT has worked with pioneers across Europe to develop a growing collection of aesthetic building materials — all aimed at accelerating the much-needed transition in architecture and interior design. Skip Tile is the latest addition, and it’s here to set a new benchmark for sustainable ceramics.
The hidden cost of traditional tiles
Ceramic tiles are everywhere — in homes, hotels, shops — but few realise how energy- and water-intensive their production is. One key element in tile production is spray drying, a standard process that accounts for up to 30% of a tile’s energy use and 70% of its water consumption.
“The transition to low-carbon, circular construction is too slow. There’s no lack of innovation — but we need real market demand to scale production and reduce costs. That’s why we team up with companies like Alusid: to show what’s already possible and bring those choices to our European network.”
Ward Massa, founder of FRONT
Skip Tile skips all that.
Using a low-energy dry granulation method, the tile dramatically reduces environmental impact, using 44% less water use, emitting 51% less CO₂ and having 95% of its composition made from waste-based materials.
While many materials still rely on synthetic binders like resins or cement, Skip Tile takes a chemical-free approach. Instead, the tiles are fired at controlled temperatures, allowing recycled components to fuse naturally — creating a rich, organic texture and aesthetic variation with performance that meets technical standards.
The main ingredients?
- Post-consumer glass (from bottles, windows, etc.)
- Waste porcelain (from rejected sanitaryware)
These waste streams are widely available but underused — particularly in Europe. Skip Tile taps into them, turning discarded material into design-ready surfaces for floors and walls and facades in retail, hospitality, and residential spaces. You can learn more about how its made here.
At Alusid, we’ve always believed that waste is a resource — not a problem. Partnering with FRONT on Skip Tile brings together our shared commitment to radically reducing the impact of ceramic tiles. This collaboration is about action, not aspiration. We’re happy that Skip Tile is now part of the growing FRONT collection.
Alasdair Bremner, founder of Alusid
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