Eco decoration materials maker contributes to recycling economy

A company producing decoration materials in Guangxi has made its contributions to building a recycling economy by making its products ecologically friendly. China Plus has visited Phomi, based in the hi-tech park of Laibin in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

A worker is busy on a production line at Phomi in Laibin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on October 22, 2018. [Photo: China Plus/Sang Yarong]

All of the company's products are made from modified clay, a sustainable material with low carbon footprint. The modified clay material is made from a mix of inorganic matters including natural soil, sand, stone powder and coal ash, some of which can be retrieved from construction waste.

Four bottles of modified clay samples are seen at Phomi in Laibin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on October 22, 2018. [Photo: China Plus/Sang Yarong]

Driven by waste steam recycled from power stations, the process of production is free of pollution. The used, modified clay products can be recycled to become raw materials again or become agriculture soil. "The new material helps reduce 80 percent of energy consumption in its production and application, compared to traditional finishing materials," said Qin Xian, general manager of Phomi.

Phomi General Manager Qin Xian introduces a decorative sheet produced by his company in Laibin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on October 22, 2018. [Photo: China Plus/Sang Yarong]

The company focuses on producing modified clay plates used to cover the external walls of buildings, providing an alternative for traditional ceramic tiles and painting. "Tiles are comparatively heavy and dangerous if falling off, while modified clay sheet is soft and light, with a thickness of only 2 to 4 millimeters," said Qin. "Some pigments for coating the wall might release toxic gas, but the modified clay is safe and green, for it bears the original color of soil," Qin added.

The modified clay decoration plates have become a choice for architects of schools and hospitals. Decoration materials produced by Phomi have been applied at around a hundred schools worldwide.

A school building covered with Phomi modified clay sheets is seen in this undated file photo taken at a primary school in Jakarta, Indonesia. [Photo provided to China Plus]

Founded in 2008, Phomi now produces more than 300 varieties of products, one third of which are exported to over 30 countries globally.