Potash Problems

The end of 2023 has brought instability to our industry. The supply chain for potash and plaster have faltered.

On November 1, 2023 Pacer, the mining company that produces the "Custer Feldspar" needed to make the clays, glazes, and slips we use daily, suspended mining operations and informed customers that orders placed after October 22, 2023 would not be filled. Distributors and suppliers are seeking out new sources for the potassium rich feldspar that Pacer was mining. Meanwhile, studios, manufacturers, and individual artists are reworking glaze recipes, waiting for rationed orders to come through, and trying to stretch the clays, slips, and glazes they already have. Other sources exist elsewhere in the country, but the transportation costs as well as the cost of ramping up mining and production at those sites will mean both an increase in cost and longer delays for everyone all the way through to the customers and clients purchasing your ceramic products.

Reclaiming and reusing your scraps, trimmings, and slop is a great way to stretch the resources you already have and control your costs. But, it requires time, knowledge, and equipment. Armature Ceramics does it for you. Let's make your studio, school, or business operation more sustainable, predictable, and profitable during this period of uncertainty. Schedule regular pickups/dropoffs or get on our list for on-demand/as needed reclaim services.