We provide energy efficient brick firing technology
In 2016, Peter Habla and his father Gilbert partnered with the Swiss Development Corporation (SDC) and their in-country delivery partner Swisscontact, to re-instate and reprove HZZK Technology in the 21st century. The kiln Peter and Gilbert implemented was a replica of the one invented in 1927 by German engineer Alois Habla, Peter's grandfather (Gilberts father). The project's goal was to re-establish the Habla Kiln as a clean, energy-efficient brick kiln alternative for developing markets where clay bricks are still the dominant construction resource.
The project was part of the Energy Efficient Clay Brick (EECB) Project, aimed at reducing CO₂ emissions in the Southern African clay brick sector. Independent tests results confirmed the kiln’s exceptional fuel savings and clean performance. However, due to personal circumstances, Peter paused the project in late 2018.
Upon returning to South Asia in 2024, Peter found little progress had been made and the brick industry had not changed, prompting him to renew his efforts to transform South Asia's brick industry. The Habla Zig-Zag Kiln, once the world’s most fuel-efficient kiln, had been successfully proven in South Africa but was not yet widely adopted in other developing markets. Unlike in 2018, there are now government mandates and supporting Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC's) in place that are forcing outdated technologies to either upgrade or be shut down. In addition to secured local partnerships and investor interest, Habla Kilns is positioned to provide a turnkey solution for traditional kiln owners across South Asia and other developing markets around the globe, and in doing so, improve brick making practices and instantly reduce carbon emissions.
HZZK Technology is a highly profitable and scalable technology, that solves a real world problem.
Our story
Our mission is to improve brick manufacturing practices in developing markets and instantly reduce carbon emissions
Luke T.
Trainer
Reinoud ten Cate
Experienced leadership with a strong track record
Our Team
Peter Habla is a project manager with extensive experience in remote communities and developing markets, with a passion for sustainable development. He built and demonstrated the first Habla Kiln in South Africa in partnership with the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).
Peter Habla
Raphael Beaumond-Schilling is an engineer with experience in renewable energy consultancy, climate finance, and investment. He has also led humanitarian logistics teams for international NGOs across Africa and the Middle East.
Raphael Beaumond-Schilling
Reinoud is a business developer with global experience selling industrial machinery and bridging technical solutions with market adoption. He builds partnerships that deliver profitable transformation with measurable social and climate impact.
Jason B.
Trainer
Jeff K.
trainer
Ashley I.
Trainer
Josh S.
dietician
HZZK throughout the years
2017: Shortlisted for the CCAC Award
2017: UNAA Business Climate Action Award
Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC) Shortlisted HZZK as a finalist together with the State of California, The World Bank, the Artic Council and others for the Inaugural Climate & Clean Air Award, November 2017. COP 23 Bonn.
"Habla Zig-Zag Kilns International has introduced innovative, clean firing technology and energy efficiency measures for the clay brick sector that have led to improved air quality and significant emission reductions of black carbon. The project is a successful example of a clean technology transfer project from a developed country to a developing country, and collaboration between the public sector, private sector, NGO, local community and donors. The HZZK model can be replicated throughout the developing world to curb brick sector- related black carbon and greenhouse gas emissions."
2015-2016: HZZK Successful Pilot Kiln
The Energy Efficient Clay Brick (EECB) Project was funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, with the objective of introducing various Energy Efficiency measures to the South African Clay Brick Sector, thereby reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The successful technology transfer of the Habla Zig-Zag Kiln (HZZK) brick firing technology to South Africa formed part of ‘Energy Efficient Clay Brick (EECB) Project.
Independent Energy Balance and Emissions monitoring of the HZZK produced outstanding results. The HZZK reduced the energy consumption by 82% (compared to the Clamp Kiln), more than halved emissions of CO2 per brick, and reduced particulate matter emissions (PM) by over 90%.
The nature of HZZK technology, including its low cost of construction, ease in operability, increased product quality, improved working conditions, higher yield and significantly reduced energy consumption, has proven it to be a viable brick firing solution and model for the South African clay brick sector.
The collaboration between Swisscontact and HZZK resulted in a successful technology transfer that contributed significantly to the success of the EECB Project.
1964-2015: Continued International Engagement In Developing Markets
The original Habla Zig-Zag Kiln Technology was comprehensively approved by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation Labour Office (UNIDO/ILO) in 1984 and again in 1998.
"The Habla Kiln is economical to construct and operate. It has a larger capacity relative to its area than other continuous kilns. This feature reduces the cost of land and construction. Furthermore the kiln has a long firing zone, allowing difficult clays to be fired more easily. The long firing path assists heat exchange between gases and bricks, thus improving fuel efficiency. Because partitions are of green bricks, less permanent brickwork has to be heated and cooled thus adding to fuel efficiency – United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) & International Labour Office (ILO) UNIDO/Technical Memorandum No 5. Small-Scale Brickmaking - April 1985"
The Habla Zig-Zag Kiln is one of only four continuous, commercial kilns ever invented. Even today, the authentic design remains today the most recent of commercial brick kiln inventions. 150 kilns were successfully constructed and operated as continuous commercial kilns. Post 1945, both a shortage of labour and skyrocketing labour costs, precipitated change toward automation. In developed countries, the tunnel kiln, superseded many earlier technologies and was increasingly adopted. HZZK construction lapsed in developed countries after 1963.
1927-1963: Construction & Commissioning 150 Kilns
The energy-efficient Habla Zig-Zag Kiln was invented in 1927 by German engineer, Alois Habla, whose family had a 200 year history as brick industry proprietors. Alois Habla’s invention of the original arch-less zig-zag kiln replaced the expensive, commercially unsustainable arched Burher Kiln.
1927 Invention
Key milestones
UN Judges said: “Habla Kilns has shown how its energy-efficient, low carbon kilns could change lives and have a real impact in addressing climate change.”