When it comes to developing the sustainable products of the future, manufacturers should be looking back as much as looking forward. Drawing on centuries-old knowledge of natural materials, that’s exactly what earth building specialists Adam Weismann and Katy Bryce did when they founded Clayworks, combining traditional methods with field experimentation. The Cornwall, U.K., company is known for its 100 per cent natural, locally manufactured clay plaster wall finishes.

Produced using abundant raw materials (a unique blend of unfired clays mixed with minerals and pigment) and without additives, they are an exceptionally low-carbon option that is also reusable, recyclable and compostable. Clayworks plasters perform every bit as well as their generic counterparts, naturally regulating relative humidity and temperature, allowing buildings to breathe and improving indoor air quality and acoustics by absorbing toxins, odours and sound. And because their application requires the same skills and tools as other wall plasters, they can be seamlessly integrated into any project. For all this functionality, Clayworks doesn’t sacrifice style: the products are available in 88 mineral pigment colours and four textural finishes.