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