Sustainable Tile Design at Mercury Mosaics
Sustainability is a key factor in the life of every tile at Mercury Mosaics. Each piece is made with intention in small batches using locally sourced-clay and a low-fire kiln process. Crafted in Minneapolis, we keep every step of our process close to home.
The Art of Thoughtful, Intentional Design
Since launching waste recovery initiatives, Mercury Mosaics has diverted more than 10 tons of ceramic tile material from landfills through thoughtful, sustainability-focused design decisions.
Our Sustainability Pillars
Progress Over Perfection
Sustainability is a journey. It takes humility to understand that not all your solutions will be perfect at first, but it’s important to keep going. We’re continually striving to lessen our impact and improve our processes with each day that passes.
Craft With Intention
Everything we create comes after a lot of deliberate, considered thought. Our production goals include minimizing waste, maximizing longevity, and honoring the resources that go into each tile. That’s what it means to craft with intention.
People First
At Mercury Mosaics, we believe sustainability starts with people. We’re committed to supporting the well-being of our team, partners, and community by fostering safe working environments, fair practices, and meaningful connection at every step of our process.
How Mercury Mosaics Reduces Waste
Mosaic Candy Shop Kits
Production misfits find a second life through the Mosaic Candy Shop, where offcuts and extras are curated into creative kits. What could have been waste becomes an invitation to create something beautiful with recycled tile material.
Align Wall Art with Room & Board
In collaboration with Room & Board, broken and excess tile is repurposed into the Align Wall Art collection. Each one-of-a-kind piece transforms discarded material into elevated, environmentally friendly artwork.
Custom Mural Repurposing Program
Many custom installations incorporate 40% or more repurposed broken ceramic tile, turning studio surplus into large-scale sustainable mosaic tile design work that’s both architectural and expressive.
Small Batch Sale Tile
This line is crafted entirely from warehouse and overstock tile, offered at a discounted price. We see beauty in the imperfections and believe they shouldn’t go to waste.
We Design Around Waste Reduction
99%
Of raw materials sourced in the USA
4
Product lines that repurpose tile
40%
Repurposed tile used in custom murals
10+
Tons of ceramic material diverted from landfills
Eco-Conscious Ceramic Tile Materials and Safer Finishes
Natural Clay and Regional Sourcing
Nearly all our raw materials are sourced within the United States, with clay and fine sand coming from regional suppliers, including those in Minnesota. These natural, earth-based materials support supply chain transparency while reinforcing a commitment to traceable, sustainable tile materials.
Lead-Free Ceramic Glazes
All tile is finished with lead free ceramic glaze formulations, creating a safer environment for both artisans and the spaces these tiles live in. These non-toxic finishes reflect a commitment to eco-friendly ceramic tile production without compromising color or durability.
Energy Conscious Production
Energy-Efficient Kiln Firing Process
Mercury Mosaics uses a low-fire kiln process that requires less energy per cycle compared to traditional high-fire methods. Each firing is carefully planned to maximize kiln capacity and efficiency. The result, in turn, is beautiful hand-crafted tile with durable integrity and undeniable style.
Handcrafted, Small-Batch and Made-to-Order
Each of our tiles are precisely hand-cut and hand-glazed to order, reducing unnecessary inventory and waste. No mass overproduction means fewer unused materials while studio-level oversight ensures every step supports our eco-conscious tile design mission.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes ceramic tile sustainable?
Ceramic tile is inherently durable and made from natural materials like clay and sand. Its sustainability improves when production prioritizes responsible sourcing and reduced waste. At Mercury Mosaics, sustainability is built into the full tile lifecycle.
Is low fire kiln ceramic tile more energy efficient?
Low-fire kiln processes typically require less energy than high-fire alternatives because they operate at lower temperatures. This reduces energy consumption per firing cycle. When combined with efficient kiln loading and controlled production, it contributes to a more environmentally responsible manufacturing process.
Why choose lead-free ceramic tile?
Lead-free ceramic tile eliminates exposure to harmful materials during both production and everyday use. This creates safer working conditions for artisans and ensures finished surfaces are suitable for wherever they end up.
What makes handmade sustainable tile different?
Handmade tile allows for greater control over materials and waste. Instead of mass manufacturing, each tile is created with intention, often in small batches, which reduces excess and supports more sustainable tile design practices.
Why choose American-made sustainable tile?
Domestic production shortens supply chains. Shorter supply chains means less fuel to transport materials from one place to another. By sourcing and manufacturing within the United States, Mercury Mosaics maintains closer control over quality and material sourcing.
How does Mercury Mosaics support sustainable design?
Sustainability is integrated into design decisions from the start. This includes using recycled tile material, offering custom work with repurposed content, and creating products that are meant to last. The goal is to make eco-conscious tiles accessible to everyone.
How do you handle any generated waste?
Waste is treated as a resource. Materials are reclaimed or repurposed into products like mosaic kits and custom installations. Through these efforts, Mercury Mosaics has diverted more than 10 tons of ceramic material from landfills.
