Tile Chalk

Tile Chalk

TileChalk box

TileChalk by DBL Ceramics – An Open Source Initiative

At DBL Ceramics, we believe waste should never be wasted. Everyday, our factory recycles water used in production. But this process leaves behind residue clay—a material that can’t be dumped in landfills without risking health and environment.

Instead of letting it go unused, we asked a simple question: What if this clay could help make education more sustainable?

The Problem We Saw

Once upon a time, classrooms ran on chalk and slate—simple, reusable, and harmless. Today, learning depends heavily on single-use, non-biodegradable materials:

  • Plastic pens and markers
  • Paper-heavy systems
  • Whiteboards that require chemical inks

At the same time, the local chalk industry in Bangladesh is struggling, as raw material prices skyrocketed in recent years. Schools, especially underserved ones, are left behind.

Chalk waste problem

Our Solution: TileChalk

After six months of research, we discovered our residue clay could be transformed into classroom chalk. We partnered with local chalk manufacturers to create a formula that is:

  • Cost-effective – cheaper to produce than traditional chalk
  • Eco-friendly – made from recycled ceramic waste
  • Safe for children – dust-minimized and classroom tested

The chalk is then distributed through education NGOs to underserved schools across Bangladesh. Already, ChalkTiles has reached over 4,000 schools, turning waste into opportunity.

Chalk distribution

How to Make TileChalk

  1. Collect residue sludge from water treatment plant
  2. Dry residue sludge under sun to remove all moisture
  3. Dried sludge will then need to be crushed and sieved
  4. Organic binders should be added to the sieved powder
  5. The powder mixture can then be poured into chalk molds
  6. Once set and removed from mold, classroom chalk is ready to be used
Process diagram for making chalk

Why Adopt ChalkTiles?

  • Reduce industrial waste and environmental risks
  • Revive local chalk production industries
  • Support underserved schools with sustainable resources
  • Align with global sustainability and CSR goals

Join the Movement

Every broken tile, every drop of water, and every bit of residue clay has the power to change education. By adopting ChalkTiles, you can turn waste into a brighter, more sustainable future for children everywhere.

To partner with us or to access detailed technical support, reach out at: info@dblceramics.com