Siam Craft Turns Industrial Waste Ash into Construction Blocks via MTEC Partnership

Key summary

Siam Craft Industry Public Company Limited has successfully transformed fly ash and bottom ash, previously destined for landfilling, into raw materials for hollow concrete blocks. Dr. Sittisak Prasarnphan from the National Metal and Materials Technology Center (MTEC), NSTDA, collaborated with the company to study the chemical and physical properties of the ash. Research confirmed that the ash's properties align with cement and sand, leading to a market survey in Ratchaburi province where hollow concrete blocks are popular for fences, walls, and house partitions. The company adjusted its fuel mix to increase biomass usage, which altered the ash's characteristics; consequently, the team continuously tested and adjusted ingredient ratios to find an optimal formula. After laboratory confirmation, they invested in machinery to produce test batches and sold the product in the local market for approximately 3–6 months to evaluate performance and customer reception. The project received approval from the Department of Industrial Works to use fly ash and bottom ash as raw materials for non-load-bearing hollow concrete blocks. Due to the absence of a specific Thai Industrial Standard (TIS) for biomass ash, the company established an internal self-declared standard ensuring the blocks' strength exceeds general TIS requirements for concrete blocks. MTEC supported official laboratory testing to build confidence among construction material retailers and customers. The initiative supports ESG goals and the transition to a low-carbon society by reducing natural resource consumption, lowering waste disposal costs, and promoting a circular economy (Waste-to-Value). Partnerships included Jarakha Corporation for testing ash in non-shrinkable jointing cement and government agencies to facilitate End of Waste pilot projects with the Department of Mineral Resources. Future plans include advancing the End of Waste project to further reduce waste management burdens and reintroduce materials into the economic system.