Everything that is obtained directly from the earth in its purest and most natural form is considered environment-friendly. This rustic and natural quality of terracotta is attracting attention among people as one of the most useful and environmentally- friendly materials that can be used for a variety of purposes. The process of manufacturing terracotta is very simple, manageable, and eco-friendly because it is made of clay which does not contain any harmful synthetic chemicals and components. Terracotta is simply made by molding heated clay into the desired shape and solidifying it before heat treatment. Being such a versatile eco-friendly material the use of terracotta can be spotted in so many places in the modern world, it is used in pottery to make decorative pieces, utensils, Brick, roof tile, sewer pipe, flower pots, sculpture, and architectural details. But terracotta is not something which is recently discovered by modern man, terracotta history and its eco-friendly properties date back to ancient times.  Let’s quickly find out about terracotta and its  history:

Terracotta and its history-

Terracotta is just another name for "low fire clay" (maximum kiln temperature at about 1900 F, or minimum at 1100 F) or "pottery clay".  Archeologists and anthropologists have literally found it everywhere around the world. Until the fourteenth century, it was the solitary kind of ceramic made in the Western and pre Colombian worlds. Archeologists even found 5,000-year-old earthenwares from what is now India and Pakistan (the Indus Valley societies). The most antique fired clay object was found in what is now called Eastern Europe and is dated back to 26,000 years of age(famously known as the late stone age) and is surprisingly terracotta. Some other examples of historic usage of terracotta can be spotted at the famous Ishtar Gate in Babylon which is made of glazed terracotta tile. A lot of American structure exteriors from the 1880s–1930s are made from terracotta tile. After the Chicago fire, it was viewed as a lightweight, flexible, fire and pollution-resistant material. 

Now we know that terracotta has ancient roots and its benefits were broadly recognized and praised all around the world even in prehistoric times.  Let’s find out how terracotta can revolutionize the modern world and why it is considered eco-friendly. 

Various reasons which assure that terracotta is eco-friendly are:

• It is 100% natural-

Another name for terracotta is baked earth which exhibits the fact that terracotta is 100% natural. The base material for terracotta is clay, which is a natural material and is abundantly found all over the UK, for example, the famous Loxwood clay of Billingshurst. Terracotta is 100% natural and should be the first option people buy. It should be widely used as the level of environmental degradation increases. In addition to this, terracotta products are very reasonably priced and inexpensive which makes it a perfect element to use as it is natural, cheap and eco-friendly. People should indulge in such products and promote them to build a superior and sustainable future for the next generation.

• The terracotta manufacturing process is simple and natural because it does not contain harmful chemicals-

Many products are produced from a combination of natural and artificial materials. But this is not the case with terracotta. The terracotta manufacturing process does not include artificial or other harmful materials like toxic chemicals. This outlines the fact that terracotta does not directly or indirectly adversely affect the environment by any means.

• Terracotta can be recycled-

With the current environmental circumstances around us, it's anything but an obligation and duty of every person to utilize more renewable and recyclable items. It is a known fact that not all products are recyclable. In that case, it is recommended to use a highly recyclable alternative. Terracotta is an easy-to-recycle product with a very high recycling rate. From broken terracotta products to old terracotta products, everything can be completely recycled with the help of a simple process and can be easily and quickly carved into new and desired shapes. The terracotta recycling rate is 95%. This is a very high percentage, emphasizing that people must buy more terracotta products to protect the environment.

• The kilns of today in which terracotta is produced are exceptionally energy efficient- 

With the expanding mindfulness about reused, eco-friendly, and sustainable items, it has become significant for individuals to use items that are an ideal example of energy and resource conservation. It is these perspectives that make terracotta a sustainable product. Energy consumption and utilization in the terracotta manufacturing process are very efficient. In addition to that, the modern kilns use a more eco-friendly approach to manufacture terracotta. This is another factor that makes terracotta eco-friendly. 

• Terracotta is a long-lasting material-

All terracotta products have the attribute of being durable and are made primarily for longevity. This is due to the characteristics of terracotta that can withstand high levels of wear and tear. In addition to this, terracotta products are heat resistant and have a high level of weather resistance because it is a porous material, it easily absorbs moisture. This property makes terracotta perfect and efficient cookware for cooking and also enhances the nutritional value of food. Besides, it is extremely low maintenance from cleaning to restoration to preserving. Hence this proves that terracotta is an excellent eco-friendly material as it does not need to be replaced at short intervals which makes it sustainable. 

In today’s environmental conditions it is of utmost importance that sustainable development should be everybody’s priority. It is advisable to make a shift towards products and materials that are more supportive to the environment. The cookware industry and other manufacturing industries should elevate the usage of clay-based materials like terracotta to produce more eco-friendly products at a large scale. 

Clay excavation site in Loxwood is precisely located on the old Pallinghurst Estate which is approximately 1.5km to the east /northeast of the village of Loxwood. Loxwood effectively supplies clay to the waste management industry, construction industry, waste recycling industry, clay pits industry, brick making, and many more. Loxwood Claypit company is putting its best effort to create a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. Visit our website to know more...https://loxwoodclaypits.co.uk