DBL Ceramics turns waste into TileChalk for students

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FE Team | Published: October 13, 2025 22:19:42

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DBL Ceramics has launched an innovative sustainability initiative, TileChalk, transforming previously unusable residue sludge from its ceramic manufacturing process into classroom chalk for underserved schools across Bangladesh.
Once the primary writing tool in classrooms, traditional chalk has been largely replaced by plastic-based whiteboard markers, contributing to the growing plastic waste problem. As the country ranks sixth globally in plastic pollution, DBL Ceramics' new initiative presents a timely and eco-friendly alternative.
The company, known for its zero-waste manufacturing practices and 100% wastewater recycling, discovered the residue sludge during its water treatment process.
Instead of discarding it, DBL Ceramics saw an opportunity. Through six months of research and collaboration with chalk manufacturers, the residue sludge was re-engineered into high-quality chalk sticks that are safe, durable, and affordable to produce.
The first batch of 10,000 packets of TileChalk has already been distributed through partner NGOs to more than 1,000 underserved schools. DBL Ceramics has also repurposed broken tiles into lightweight student slates, reviving a sustainable classroom practice from the past.
"Education should never harm the environment," a DBL Ceramics spokesperson said. "With TileChalk, we've turned waste into a resource that helps children learn while protecting the planet."
In a move to encourage industry-wide impact, DBL Ceramics has made the TileChalk formula open-source and invited competitors to adopt similar practices.
TileChalk has already captured wide attention across schools, NGOs, and media circles, proving that sustainability and social good can co-exist in powerful ways. By breathing new life into chalk and slates, DBL Ceramics is not just shaping tiles; it's shaping a greener, smarter future for education in Bangladesh, says a press statement.