Clinker and thin brick consist primarily of clay (small-grained clay minerals) and loam (a mixture of sand, clay, and silt). The geological origin of the clay or loam is crucial for the final color of the fired clinker. Depending on the composition of the raw material, sand may be added during processing. Additionally, crushed clinker is mixed in during this process.

Clay and loam deposits are abundant worldwide. Shale clays are mined in northern Germany at depths of up to six meters. This makes the clay deposits regionally available without long transport routes and with minimal technical effort. Once the clay deposits are exhausted, the pit is renaturalized. This is done in close coordination with local authorities. Particular emphasis is placed on achieving a high level of biodiversity.

Clinker bricks do not require flame retardants. Bricks that have already been fired at 1,200 °C contain no combustible components. When thin brick are used in conjunction with a mineral-based external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS), they form part of a sustainable fire protection concept.

Clinker bricks and thin brick are fired at approximately 1,100 °C, and the firing process closes the pores. The result is a hard-fired brick that not only withstands wind and weather but also absorbs very little moisture. More precisely, the water absorption of Feldhaus products is typically between two and five percent. Together with a professionally executed joint, a clinker brick or thin brick facade forms a durable, protective shield against the elements.

Politics and our society are increasingly relying on natural building materials. Manufacturers like Feldhaus Klinker have been conducting their own technical product quality control for many years. In addition, measurements are carried out by external laboratories. However, building certifications are becoming increasingly important, as they assess and quantify the interaction of various building products and their impact on the environment. An important basis for this is an EPD (Environmental Product Declaration).

The EPD shows the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life cycle.

The EPD is a list of environmental performance indicators for a specific building material, in this case clinker, thin brick , and Pavers . This data is presented in a standardized format, which significantly facilitates the comparison of different materials. It makes it possible to understand the performance of a product at various stages of its life cycle, from raw material extraction and manufacturing to use and recycling.

A building material is ecologically sound if it is of natural origin and conserves resources by being durable. A brick facade lasts 100 years or more. We also know of numerous examples of brick buildings from antiquity that have survived to the present day.

Since the early 1980s, we have been producing thin brick that NOT sawn from a single block. We manufacture thin brick directly in the desired thickness. This saves raw materials and energy. Since 2001, we have also been producing corner brick slips, which are likewise manufactured directly in the desired thickness and shape. This complete package of slips and corner bricks is the most resource-efficient method for a durable and low-maintenance brick facade; for new construction and existing buildings.

The construction, operation, and maintenance of buildings are responsible for a large portion of global CO2 emissions. It's time to change that. As a building materials manufacturer and family-run Company Feldhaus Klinker sees it as its duty to counteract this. There are concrete measures and goals in place to achieve this. The entire manufacturing and firing process will be powered by renewable energy. Photovoltaics and wind energy will generate enough energy in the future to produce hydrogen for the firing process. A 9 MWp photovoltaic system is currently being installed on the roofs of the production halls at the Bad Laer site. As of today (March 2023), 34,000 m² of solar panels with a capacity of over 7 MWp have already been installed; this corresponds to an area of ​​well over 4.5 football fields. Furthermore, we are already able to blend up to 30% hydrogen with natural gas. Through a variety of measures and large investments Feldhaus Klinker is making a long-term contribution to helping investors and planners achieve the goal of CO2-neutral real estate.