Clarisse Merlet is the entrepreneur who makes bricks from discarded clothing, and they are fire-resistant bricks. 

She is part of the French company: FabBRICK. This company recycles textile waste and turns it into bricks with thermal and acoustic functions. 

Approximately 4 million tons of textile waste are collected in France. Such textiles do not usually have an environmentally friendly use but end up in landfills without being recycled. That is why Clarisse Merlet decided to make use of this textile waste. He also discovered the large amounts of waste produced by conventional construction.

Merlet thought of using the resources discarded by the construction industry but using textile waste. This is how FabBRICK was born, to build decorative and insulating bricks using old clothes. 

In 2019, they raised funds contributed by supporters who supported this idea. They collected around 10,000 euros, which were used for the construction of a brick machine. 

How is the process of building a brick? 

First, the color of the textiles is chosen. Cotton fabric is used as it is the best fabric for weather and noise insulation. 

Second, the textiles are placed on a scale, so that each brick has the same weight. It is then mixed with ecological glue (composed of non-polluting ingredients). This results in a waterproof and fire resistant composition. The compression is performed with a machine that Merlet herself invented. 

This machine does not require electric current, since it is manual and mechanical. Once the bricks are ready, they are dried naturally for 15 days. Then, these bricks are ready. 

What are these bricks used for? 

These bricks are ideal for room partitions and can function as decorative elements for interiors or stores.  They are also used to manufacture lamps, tables, or furniture. 

The Galeries Lafayette shopping mall in Paris displays FabBRICK’s product as handcrafted. On the other hand, in an interview, Merlet exhibited a brick model made from shredded surgical masks. It is a very innovative and sustainable ecological proposal. 

The International Iberoamerican University (UNIB) offers the Master in Environmental Management and Audits.  Source: A young woman turns tons of discarded clothing into fire-resistant bricks