Tiles that "grow" instead of being fired: Mimmik Tile, the biotech revolution
Tile Wars · trends · · Tile Wars
Biotech startup Biomason, partnering with European platform FRONT, scales up industrial production of a cement-free, kiln-free paver that cuts CO₂ emissions by 60%.
Biotech startup Biomason, in partnership with the European platform FRONT, is consolidating industrial-scale commercialization of its cement-free, kiln-free paving — cutting CO₂ emissions by 60%. Amid the global push for industrial decarbonization and the demands of sustainable architecture, the tile and paving sector faces its biggest crossroads: how to keep mechanical performance while driving the carbon footprint to zero. While Spain's traditional ceramic industry advances kiln efficiency and hydrogen research, biotechnology offers a disruptive proposal that skips thermal shock entirely. It is Mimmik Tile , the world's first tile made using bacteria. Originally developed by US firm Biomason (founded by architect Ginger Krieg Dosier) and distributed across Europe via the Dutch platform FRONT , the material has moved from lab to mass production at a dedicated plant in Denmark. Coral chemistry applied to construction Mimmik Tile is not based on biomass or organic resins, but on biomimicry . Instead of calcining calcium carbonate above 1000 °C — a process that releases massive amounts of CO₂ — the patented Zymecrete™ technology mimics how marine corals build their rigid structures. Composition: 85% recycled granite from industrial waste and 15% "biocement". Biological activation: bacterial spores are introduced into the mold with the aggregate and precipitate carbon and calcium. Room-temperature crystallization: microorganisms form calcium carbonate crystals in the pores, binding the piece with no heat. Express curing, no fire: while traditional concrete needs 28 days to cure and ceramics require a critical kiln step, Mimmik Tile reaches full structural strength in 40 hours at room temperature. Technical specs and commercial potential Unlike early-stage bio-based materials, Mimmik Tile is already sold under European and US construction standards, positioning itself as a real alternative for high-traffic pedestrian areas in cutting-edge corporate and residential projects. Dimensions: 400 x 200 mm Thickness: 19 mm Color range: Ginger (earth/clay tones) and Pepper (stone/grey tones) Finishes: Honed and Polished CO₂ reduction: at least 60% vs. cement-based paving Flagship projects in London (Tower Bridge Court) and Denmark (Helix Lab) have already tested the material in real conditions. As Biomason CEO Camilo Restrepo explains: "When one of our first London projects was completed, I asked if anyone noticed anything unusual about the floor. They said nothing stood out. That was exactly the answer we wanted. It must perform and look like a high-quality material." The end of monotonous cities A side benefit of Zymecrete™ is aesthetic. Free from Portland cement's grey base or glazed behavior, the paver takes on the texture and tones of the local aggregate used — letting urban architecture reflect its native geology again. Biomason's joint factory with Danish producer IBF is already scaling toward 20,000 sqm per year . Although its thickness and weight currently put it head-to-head with cement tile, terrazzo and natural stone rather than ceramic tile, the industrial consolidation of Mimmik Tile is a milestone Spain's ceramic industry cannot ignore: biology has formally entered the rigid-materials market. Sources: Article: Dezeen — "Biomason debuts bacteria-grown Mimmik Tile with FRONT" ( dezeen.com ) Image: © Dezeen / Biomason / FRONT