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School children use DBL Ceramics’ TileChalk at a school recently. | — Press release

With the launch of its TileChalk initiative, DBL Ceramics has transformed residue sludge into something meaningful— classroom chalk for underserved schools across the country.

DBL Ceramics’ initiative offers a sustainable alternative, reducing waste while reviving a valuable educational resource, said a press release on Sunday.


For years, DBL Ceramics has operated with a strong sustainability ethos. From water treatment plants that recycle 100 per cent of wastewater to zero-waste manufacturing practices, the company has always sought new ways to reduce its environmental

footprint.

During water recycling at its ceramics plant, DBL Ceramics discovered that a type of residue sludge remained—one that could not be discharged into landfills without risking soil and water contamination.

Instead of discarding it, DBL Ceramics saw an opportunity. Through six months of research and collaboration with chalk manufacturers, the residue sludge was re-engineered into chalk sticks that are safe, durable and affordable to produce.

The first batch of 10,000 packets of TileChalk was distributed through partner NGOs, reaching over 1,000 underserved schools across Bangladesh, with plans to expand distribution further in the coming days.

In addition to the chalk, DBL Ceramics also converted broken tiles into lightweight slates, reviving a sustainable classroom practice from the past.

Together, these solutions not only reduce industrial waste but also make education more environmentally responsible.