1 - materiaFondente - Marble waste as a resource for innovative ceramics (Victoria Sabba)
by Victoria Sabba
The materiaFondente project explores the potential of marble dust – a by-product of the stone industry – as a flux in ceramic glazes, proposing an innovative and sustainable approach to managing industrial waste. The extraction and processing of marble generate large quantities of waste, including fine powders that, if not properly handled, can pose an environmental concern. This by-product represents a challenge in industrial waste management but can be transformed into a valuable resource through circular economy practices.
The main goal of the project is to experiment with the use of marble powder as a sustainable alternative to calcium carbonate in ceramic glazes, reducing waste and valorizing an industrial by-product. Through an experimental method based on Ian Currie's grid – a system that allows the testing of 35 variations of a ceramic formula – the project investigates the behavior of marble dust in terms of fusibility and its effects on glazed surfaces. A key aspect of the project is the pursuit of a balance between functionality and aesthetic result. The distinctive element of materiaFondente lies in embracing the unpredictability of the material: the natural impurities in marble dust, often seen as flaws, become expressive resources here, generating unique textures and chromatic nuances that make each piece one-of-a-kind. The project reduces the use of virgin resources and environmental impact, proposing a sustainable and innovative alternative for ceramics.
In summary, materiaFondente demonstrates how the creative reuse of waste can become an opportunity for innovation. The project redefines the concept of waste, turning a forgotten by-product into a key element for ceramic glaze creation, combining technical research and aesthetic sensibility to give new life to marble scraps and fostering a dialogue between artisanal tradition and sustainable innovation.
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