From two waste streams to one circular building material

Can dredged sediment from ports become a valuable resource for the construction sector? This is being explored within the MUDIS research project. Kaumera plays an important role in this circular approach by supplying the bio-based material needed to bind the sediment.

Every year, ports such as Rotterdam dredge millions of cubic metres of sediment from their access channels and basins to keep them navigable. Much of this sediment is currently disposed of offshore. The MUDIS project explores a different perspective: what if this material could instead be used as a resource for new building materials?

The research project brings together TU Delft, Port of Rotterdam Authority, Harwich Haven Authority, Netics, Kaumera and SmartPort to investigate the potential of transforming dredged sediment into bricks.

Connecting two residual streams. Circularity at its best

What makes this project particularly interesting is the combination of two residual streams.

The sediment originates from dredging activities in ports, while Kaumera is recovered from wastewater treatment. By bringing these two materials together, the project investigates whether a new, useful building material can be created as a circular alternative for virgin resources.

The MUDIS project is a great example of how collaboration across sectors can help uncover these new possibilities.

Kaumera as a bio-based binder

Within the project, Kaumera is used as a bio-based binder for the dredged sediment. Rather than relying on conventional firing processes or cement, researchers are investigating whether Kaumera can provide the binding properties required to turn sediment into a strong and usable product.

This approach could potentially reduce CO₂ emissions associated with the production process while creating value from two different residual streams at the same time.

At TU Delft, researchers are drying, mixing, moulding and testing the first sediment-based bricks. One of the challenges is finding the right composition, as dredged sediment behaves very differently from the clay traditionally used to manufacture bricks.

The team is working towards a formulation with the mechanical properties required for potential applications such as facing bricks, partition walls or dike reinforcement.

Exploring new value together

For Kaumera, participation in the MUDIS project is an opportunity to further explore how Kaumera can contribute to circular material solutions.

The next phase of the research will compare the sediment-based bricks with conventional bricks in terms of strength, costs and CO₂ emissions. The first results are expected in February 2027.

Projects like MUDIS demonstrate the potential that emerges when different sectors look at residual streams not as waste, but as resources. By combining knowledge, materials and expertise, we can work towards new applications that help create a circular economy.

Want to see how the first sediment-based bricks are being developed? Watch the SmartPort Explains video here.