KH Vegetation Substrate – From Waste to Resource

To ensure that every fragment of reclaimed brick is given a meaningful second life, we have developed a high-quality vegetation substrate in grain sizes of 0–5 mm and 5–12 mm.

To meet strict quality standards, only 100 % pure, single-origin brick material is used — free from contaminants like concrete, wood, or mortar residues. The raw material comes exclusively from leftover fragments after our manual processing, as well as waste generated during slip production. This ensures a consistently high purity level — essential for ecological performance and plant health.

Approved for Plant Cultivation

Our substrate is officially approved for use in plant cultivation, especially on green roofs. A key factor: most of the bricks we reclaim were originally laid with lime-based mortar. Over decades, this lime has penetrated deep into the brick structure, enriching it with valuable minerals.

As a result, the crushed particles act as a nutrient-rich growing medium that supports healthy plant growth. In addition:

- Acts as a natural water reservoir while maintaining excellent drainage

- Already free of harmful salts and pollutants — leached out over years of frost-thaw cycles and during the original firing process

- Requires no further treatment or mixing before use

No additional compost, soil, or chemical additives are needed.

Ideal for Green Roofs

One of the most valued applications is green roofing, particularly on flat roofs. Thanks to its physical properties, our substrate offers a lower thermal conductivity (λ-value) than commonly used lava granulate — meaning it provides better insulation and contributes to improved building energy efficiency.

It also reduces urban heat, manages rainwater runoff, and creates habitats for insects and birds.

Other Sustainable Applications

Soil Enhancement

The substrate can be mixed with topsoil to raise the pH value of acidic or nutrient-poor soils, helping to regenerate degraded land.

De-Icing Granulate

As an eco-friendly alternative to salt, our substrate provides excellent anti-slip traction on ice and snow. Once thawed, it can safely enter the soil — where it continues to support plant growth instead of polluting groundwater or damaging vegetation.

Brick Manufacturing

Because the material has already been fired, it can be reused in the production of new bricks — without generating additional CO₂ emissions from raw material calcination. This significantly reduces the carbon footprint of new clinker production.

Tennis Court Surfaces

Our granulate is also suitable as a surface component for clay tennis courts, offering natural texture, stability, and drainage.

Environmental Impact

By using KH Vegetation Substrate, you help:

-Replace environmentally damaging mining of natural aggregates like lava and pumice

-Reduce construction waste sent to landfill

-Conserve natural resources and protect landscapes

-Lower overall land and resource consumption

This is more than recycling.

It’s closing the loop — from old wall to new life.