Tiles for Smarter, Sustainable Design
When selecting tiles for a project, there’s more than meets the eye. While size, texture, and finish often take centre stage, what lies beneath — the tile body — can significantly impact visual quality, installation efficiency, and even the environmental footprint of your project. For developers, architects, interior designers, and contractors, understanding the difference between white body and red body tiles enables better decision-making — balancing performance, aesthetics, and sustainability.
White Body vs Red Body Tiles: What’s the Difference?
The distinction starts with the composition of the tile body:
- Red body tiles are made from clay with high iron oxide content, which gives them a reddish tone after firing.
- White body tiles are produced using refined, low-iron clays such as kaolin and feldspar, resulting in a white or ivory base.
This foundational difference affects key performance factors such as:
- Colour clarity and surface print sharpness
- Dimensional stability and shrinkage control
- Water absorption and moisture resistance
- Installation tolerance and consistency
Where They Come From — And Why It Matters
Most red body wall tiles available in the Malaysian market are imported, often involving:
- Longer lead times
- Higher transportation emissions
- Reduced batch-to-batch consistency
In contrast, white body tiles by Kimgres are proudly manufactured in Malaysia using whitefiring clay, offering:
- Tighter quality control at every stage of production
- Faster turnaround for urgent or large-scale projects
- Lower carbon footprint due to shorter transport routes
- Alignment with ESG goals and sustainable building certifications
Technical Advantages of White Body Tiles
Although red body tiles have seen quality improvements in recent years, white body tiles remain the preferred choice for specification-driven or design-led projects due to their superior performance.
| Feature | Red Body Tile | White Body Tile |
| Clay Composition | Iron-rich, reddish clay | Refined white-firing clay (kaolin, feldspar) |
| Colour Base | Reddish-brown after firing | White or ivory base |
| Design Clarity | May affect pastel and light-toned designs | Enhances brightness and sharpness of surface prints |
| Dimensional Stability | Good with rectification (but may increase installation cost) | Excellent; tight tolerances without rectification |
| Water Absorption | Improved, but varies by source and manufacturer | More consistent and typically lower |
| Sustainability | Often imported; higher emissions | Locally made; supports sustainable, low-impact sourcing |
Why Body Composition Matters in Project Delivery
Whether you’re working on a residential development, hospitality interior, or retail space, the
tile body impacts far more than aesthetics.
Surface Design Integrity
White body tiles provide a clean, bright base ideal for digital printing, ensuring vibrant finishes
for marble, concrete, or stone-inspired looks.
Installation Efficiency
Thanks to better dimensional consistency, white body tiles reduce alignment issues, cut down
on installation errors, and improve overall workmanship.
Durability & Moisture Resistance
With controlled porosity, white body tiles offer enhanced performance in high-moisture
settings like bathrooms, kitchens, and commercial washrooms.
Choosing Smarter, Cleaner Sourcing
Opting for locally produced white body tiles supports responsible construction practices by offering:
- Lower carbon emissions from transport
- Minimal packaging waste
- Support for local industries and jobs
It’s a forward-thinking choice that aligns with green building principles and sustainability goals without compromising quality or design.
The Right Choice for Design-Driven Projects
In today’s dynamic construction landscape, every material decision influences project success. While red body tiles meet the needs of basic applications, white body tiles are the go-to choice for professionals who demand refined aesthetics, technical performance, and eco-conscious sourcing.
At Kimgres, we specialise in white body ceramic tiles made in Malaysia, crafted with care and engineered for professionals who value precision and sustainability. Connect with us for detailed product data sheets, design samples, or guidance on the best white body tile solutions for your next project.