Our history
Let's talk about clay
Clay, a sustainable material
As natural as Mother Earth
Due to its natural origin and composition, clay is not only a durable material but also easy to recycle. Combined with environmentally friendly industrial practices, extracting clay from the ground has minimal impact on our environment. The constant improvement of extraction techniques allows us to commit ourselves to sustainable development. A rehabilitation plan is put in place before any extraction operation to best manage the impact of a clay quarry on biodiversity.
How is clay obtained?
Most clay minerals are formed where rocks are in contact with water, air or steam: weathered rocks on a hill, sediments at the bottom of the sea or lakes...
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Within each deposit are several strata composed of clays that vary in size, particle size, distribution, chemistry and mineralogy. They also differ significantly from one geographic location to another.
How does the clay extraction process take place?
The life of clay begins in quarries, areas carefully selected not only for their properties but also to ensure minimal impact on the environment. The process is now fully mechanized and includes several stages: each layer of clay is extracted separately, mixed (if necessary), crushed and stored in storage sheds for ageing. The clay is aged for 3 to 12 months, depending on the grade of clay and the time needed for it to provide maximum benefits. The clay is tested regularly throughout the manufacturing process to ensure product consistency and moisture content. The final step in the process is to crush the clay into smaller, more regular pieces via a crusher and sift to obtain either crushed clay (irregular pieces) or superfine clay.
To preserve its properties, the clay is not treated, washed or ionized.