In the world of tile manufacturing, the term regrind refers to the process of recycling tile material. This process not only represents an effort to promote sustainability, but also has significant implications for the compatibility of tile adhesives. When done correctly, it can help manufacturers save on costs and reduce waste. However, the use of regrind presents certain challenges, particularly in terms of adhesive compatibility. This blog delves into why and how regrind in tile manufacturing affects adhesive compatibility.

Tile adhesive compatibility is a critical factor in the successful installation of tiles. An incompatible adhesive may not bond correctly with the tile, leading to tiles that slip, crack, or become loose over time. Compatibility is determined by several factors, including the type of tile, the surface on which the tile is being installed, the conditions under which the tile will be used, and the composition of the tile itself – which is where the role of regrind comes into play.

When tile waste is reintroduced into the manufacturing process (regrind), it changes the composition of the new tiles being made. This is due to the varying properties of the recycled material, which can alter the texture, density, or absorbency of the final product. These changes in tile properties can, in turn, affect how well a given adhesive will bond with the tile.

As the tile’s composition changes, so too does its interaction with adhesives. A tile made with a high percentage of regrind may be more porous, for example, which could cause an adhesive to be absorbed more quickly than expected. This can lead to a weaker bond between the tile and the surface it’s installed on. Conversely, a less porous tile may not absorb enough adhesive, leading to a bond that’s not as strong as it should be.

Despite the challenges, it is possible to ensure adhesive compatibility even when using tiles made with a significant amount of regrind. This involves careful selection of the adhesive, based on the specific properties of the tile. Manufacturers need to test different adhesives with their regrind tiles to determine which ones work best. This requires time and resources, but it’s a necessary step in ensuring the long-term performance of the tiles.

The percentage of regrind used in a tile, as well as the type of tile waste being recycled, can also affect adhesive compatibility. For instance, using a high percentage of regrind from glazed tiles in the production of new tiles could result in a less porous product that needs a specific type of adhesive. On the other hand, using regrind from unglazed tiles could result in an overly porous tile that requires a different adhesive.

To tackle adhesive compatibility issues, industry practices include testing new tile batches for adhesive compatibility, providing detailed installation instructions, and recommending specific adhesives for certain types of tiles. By doing so, they ensure that installers are equipped with the right information to successfully install their products, regardless of the amount of regrind used in their production.

Let’s look at a real-life example of a company that has successfully incorporated regrind into its tile manufacturing process without compromising adhesive compatibility. TileCo, a leading tile manufacturer, started using regrind in their manufacturing process to reduce waste and costs. They faced initial challenges with adhesive compatibility, but through rigorous testing and clear communication with installers, they were able to overcome these issues. Today, TileCo is a leading example of how to successfully incorporate regrind into tile manufacturing.

As sustainability becomes a bigger focus in the tile manufacturing industry, the use of regrind is likely to increase. While this presents challenges in terms of adhesive compatibility, it also opens up opportunities for innovation. New types of adhesives that are specifically designed to work with tiles made from regrind could be developed. Similarly, ways of processing regrind that minimize its impact on tile properties could