Super Eco Bricks Innovations (SEBI) has started production of eco-friendly bricks that have higher durability and environmentally friendly.

The opening ceremony of the factory’s production was inaugurated by Minister of Industry Nabindra Raj Joshi and the Japanese ambassador to Nepal Masashi Ogaswa, on May 9. The factory, located in Changunarayan, uses Japanese technology to produce highly robust and durable bricks that have a minimum rated 12 Newton strength, double of normal local bricks.

The bricks are made using the same chemicals that Japanese counterparts in Japan use to cast concrete foundations. These bricks have higher compressive strength and less prone to breakage. The bricks were put through the Freeze and Thaw tests in Japan and their strength was reaffirmed by experts. In landslide-prone areas, these bricks are being used to protect vulnerable Japanese homes.

“Seeing the poor quality of construction materials here in Nepal, we created these eco-bricks which are very beneficial,” said Sunil Kumar Lohia, president of SEBI, “The mission is to create quality products at affordable costs.”

Along with its strength, the brick also cuts down overall costs. The use of SEBI bricks reduces the use of steel due to the jettisoned load on the walls, eventually saving money for customers. The company estimates savings of 5-7% on overall construction costs if SEBI bricks are used.

SEBI bricks are immensely eco-friendly because they heavily reduce carbon dioxide emissions and do not need to take water before being laid.

Handmade bricks in Nepal have high water absorption rates and are brittle while also having high emissions.

“Local companies with high emissions nowadays have to move very far from the Valley as per the government’s new regulations,” said Lohia, “Hence the transportation factor also makes our product cheap.”

 “It is important for the industries of the Valley to look towards environmental protection,” said Minister Joshi, “So if eco-friendly industries that provide such great services are sprouting in the Valley, it is ultimately going to benefit the country in the long run.”