Each month, we look to highlight a brand not only for their superb products, but their commitment to creating sustainable practices. This month, we are excited to talk to you about Fireclay Tile! Based and made in California in a 100% renewable energy run factory, Fireclay is currently the only certified B Corp in the tile industry. That honor, partnered with their commitment to using domestically and responsibly sourced materials, makes them a stand out business to us here at The Reverie.
Fireclay Tile was created in 1986 by Paul Burns, who was first introduced to the tile industry by his uncle at age 10. For Paul, tile creation has been a family tradition since the 1920’s. His deep knowledge and appreciation of the craft partnered with a mind for science led him down the sustainability rabbit hole. That commitment allowed him to create the first sustainable and environmentally conscious tile brand available. As the company has scaled over the years, the heart of their mission remains the same. To change the world for good, one tile at a time.
“We are on a mission to do good by crafting products intentionally, collaboratively, and transparently. We are the makers, who support the dreamers.”
fireclay tile mission statement
Becoming a certified Benefit Corporation is one of the highest honors a business can receive. To earn this honor, businesses must meet the increasingly highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. As a community, B Corps work towards reduced inequality, lower levels of poverty, creating a healthier environment, building stronger communities and creating high quality jobs. As a company, Fireclay is the first and only Certified B-Corp tile maker and the first climate neutral tile company. All of these standards are met and achieved through their sustainable manufacturing process, use of recycled materials, and by being an employee owned business.
In October of 2020, Fireclay CEO Eric Edelson announced that the company was expanding the companies Employee Ownership standards. This is yet another move made towards creating a more sustainable and equitable economic system for its 150 team members. Per the Fireclay press release, research shows Employee Owned businesses produce greater revenues and profitability compared to their peers, and since first introducing employee ownership in 2013, Fireclay Tile has increased revenues 8x.
“We are creating a $100M design brand that shows a company can be both a highly profitable business but more importantly one focused on stakeholder capitalism. While we’ve always held ourselves to a higher standard by providing fair and equitable pay and benefits, ensuring that our dedicated team has a meaningful opportunity at wealth creation is incredibly motivating. We’re hopeful this commitment to the very people who are doing the work will be shared by our peers to ultimately inspire an industry-wide shift.”
– Fireclay ceo, Eric Edelson
Now for the good part, the gorgeous tile! Each tile is made to order, created and hand painted by an artisan in their California warehouse. Fireclay offers standard clay, glass, brick, hand painted, and design-your-own tiles in over 130 color varieties. Each color is uniquely formulated on site, which gives Fireclay products an undeniable identity and style. The tiles are designed to mix and match, giving each designer and homeowner the ability to create a one of a kind space.
Because each piece is made to order, Fireclay eliminates any chances of tiles ending up on a shelf. Their commitment for becoming a 100% closed loop facility began in 2012 when they first became climate neutral. Now, they are on track to a Zero Waste facility this year! To be considered Zero Waste, Fireclay pledged to have a 90% waste diversion rate by 2021. This will be measured by a third-party audit to keep the brand truly accountable. This means that by the end of this year, any and all scrap tile will be reused to create new tiles.
For us, a large component of good design is the feeling(s) it invokes. As we all learn more about sustainable practices and materials, there is an added pride in knowing that the space you created supports not only a great brand but an important movement. As we continue to grow and take on more projects, Fireclay is a brand we are excited to implement and support.
Until next time!