Dekiln, formerly known as Deakin Bio-Hybrid Materials, is a pioneering materials technology company that has developed a revolutionary, low-carbon alternative to traditional ceramic tiles.
Its groundbreaking BioSintering® technology produces ceramic-like materials without energy-intensive kiln firing, combining recycled materials with bio-based binders to create sustainable, high-performance tiles. By removing high-temperature firing (850-1250°C) and replacing it with a low-energy process, BioSintering® reduces CO2 emissions by 94 per cent and particulate air pollution by 99 per cent compared to conventional ceramic tiles.
The technology is also helping to deal with problematic waste streams. Dekiln’s Eralith tiles incorporate more than 95 per gypsum plaster combined with a bio-based active ingredient. Gypsum plasterboard waste, estimated at 980,000 tonnes a year in the UK alone, is difficult to dispose of because it can generate toxic hydrogen sulphide gas as it degrades.
BioSintering® integrates seamlessly with existing tile manufacturing equipment (minus the kilns), enabling producers to adopt our technology without significant capital investment or extensive workforce retraining.
Dekiln originated during the COVID-19 pandemic when founder and Chief Executive Officer Dr Aled Roberts established a basement laboratory to conduct materials research using commonly available ingredients. Resource constraints led to a significant breakthrough in sustainable ceramic alternatives inspired by natural materials like seashells, tooth enamel, and pearl.
The Company is also exploring the feasibility of new materials made from bio-manufacturing waste streams, such as microbial waste, after winning a £92,364 grant from Innovate UK.
DeakinBio won the £50,000 first prize in the University of Manchester’s Eli Harari Graphene Enterprise Awards for 2022.