Collection: Eco-Friendly Tiles

Are tiles eco-friendly?

Broadly speaking, yes. Less broadly speaking, it depends on how they're made and how long they last.

Mass-made, industrial products made with chemical glazes and shipped across huge distances imply a much heavier environmental cost than tiles produced from natural clay that contain no plastics, synthetic compounds or harmful chemicals. 

The same goes for lower-quality items that soon need replacing, compared with tiles that are well made and properly installed, which can last decades.

Our tiles are handcrafted in Portugal in small batches using traditional techniques, which keeps waste low and the supply chain short.

What makes a tile eco-friendly - and how do you tell the difference?

The 4 factors to keep in mind are: materials, production process, supply chain length, and longevity. Natural clay-based tiles with no synthetic additives are the right idea, but how far they need to travel before they reach you, and how long they last after they do, matter just as much.

If you're not sure about a given product, try to find out where the clay was sourced, whether the pigments used were synthetic or natural, and how the tile was fired.

Are cork tiles eco-friendly?

Cork is one of the most sustainable materials available for tiling. It comes from the bark of the cork oak tree, which is stripped by hand without any need to cut it down. The tree continues to grow, absorb CO₂, and can be harvested again after nine to twelve years - making cork genuinely renewable in a way few materials can aspire to.

It also contains no plastics or synthetic additives, is naturally biodegradable, and requires no toxic chemicals to clean or maintain. As an excellent natural insulator - both for temperature and sound - it may allow you to save energy in heating or cooling.

How long do handmade ceramic tiles last?

Portuguese decorative tiles in ceramic or terracotta are built to last - make sure that they're properly installed, and 50 years or more can go by without them getting wrinkles.

Unlike vinyl or laminate alternatives, ceramic tiles are resistant to heat, moisture and heavy use. Their longevity is, in fact, their strongest environmental credential.

Are handmade tiles better for the environment than factory-produced tiles?

In most respects, yes.

Artisanal tiles are made in small batches, use natural pigments rather than synthetic coatings, and generate much less industrial waste.

Kiln firing does require energy - that's true of all ceramic production - but the trade-off is a tile made to last rather than one made to a price point. Small-batch production also means no surplus stock sitting in warehouses waiting to be discounted or disposed of.

Do eco-friendly tiles need special cleaning products?

Ceramic and terracotta tiles aren't porous, and like cork they're naturally antimicrobial, so soap and water are all you need for routine cleaning across all three materials. No harsh chemicals or specialist products.

This is not only another plus in practical terms, but it also means there's no ongoing chemical cost - to your home or the environment.