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Counter Culture - Materials to use for an Eco-Friendly Kitchen Countertop
It's not always easy to decide on the best kitchen countertop, with a lot to consider. For a long-lasting kitchen, it's crucial that the material fits your chosen aesthetic and is hard wearing, and your choices don't have to compromise your sustainable lifestyle goals.
Many common countertop materials are made using non-renewable resources and are sealed with chemicals. But if you prefer options that are both rock solid and sustainable, read on. In this article, we'll dive deeper into the materials to use for an eco-friendly countertop.
1. Sunlit Days from Cosentino
In 2021, the Cosentino Group released its most sustainable range of countertops to date - Sunlit Days. Developed using the brand's HybriQ® technology, Sunlit Days is the very first "carbon neutral collection in the quartz surfaces and engineered stone industry."
What makes Sunlit Days countertops environmentally-friendly?
The Sunlit Days countertop is produced using 99% recycled water, 100% renewable energy, and a minimum of 20% recycled raw materials in its composition. Unlike conventional quartz surfaces, it is constructed using a blend of top-quality minerals and recycled glass, boasting high resistance to stains, scratches and knocks. There will therefore be no need to replace it in the near future, which is great news for the environment.
Cosentino has also joined up with Equilibrio Marino, a non-profit organisation formed of divers, scientists, and marine biologists, to combat the level of microplastics, nets, and other debris polluting the Mediterranean Sea.
The Sunlit Days countertop collection
Sunlit Days' evocative colour palette pays homage to the natural world with a limited range of Mediterranean-inspired colours. With outstanding technical properties and cleaning using just soap and water, it's the perfect choice for a low-maintenance kitchen inspired by the great outdoors.
2. Dekton from Cosentino
Cosentino's latest marvel, Dekton, is an impressive countertop material combining exceptional performance and striking aesthetics. Dekton is created using a unique mix of over 20 minerals and Sinterized Particle Technology - a high-tech process which represents an accelerated version of the metamorphic change that natural stone undergoes. The final product is a solid, long-lasting surface impervious to damage from sunlight, scratches, stains, and even thermal shocks.
Why are Dekton countertops considered sustainable?
Dekton is the only surface on the market that is certified as Cradle-to-Grave Carbon Neutral® - an assessment that considers the environmental impact at each stage of a product's life cycle. From raw material extraction (the cradle), manufacturing and transportation to usage and retail, and finally, waste disposal (the grave), Dekton offsets 100% of its CO2 emissions.
Rest assured, Dekton is built to last. Offering a flexural strength five times that of granite, you won't need to replace the countertop anytime soon.
The Dekton countertop collection
The Dekton countertop can do everything regarding aesthetics, performance, and sustainability. Take your pick from a myriad of colours and finishes, from ultra-glossy to matte and velvet.
3. Bamboo
Dubbed 'green steel' in its native South-East Asia, bamboo has enjoyed a meteoric rise in popularity over the past years. Even stronger than oak, moso bamboo is the toughest and densest of the 1,500 known species, with natural water resistance and antimicrobial properties.
Why is bamboo an eco-friendly choice?
Bamboo is a more environmentally friendly option for home furnishings compared to wood. It's renowned for its ability to absorb carbon dioxide - around 12 tonnes of CO2 per hectare, per year - and produces up to 35% more oxygen than an equivalent tree mass. The grass can also flourish without pesticides or fertilisers, and only needs a small amount of rainwater.
Moreover, with a lightning-fast growth rate of up to a metre per day, bamboo is incredibly renewable. Due to its ability to quickly regrow from its roots, bamboo eliminates the need for replanting following cultivation, meaning fewer trees are cut down, and less soil is eroded compared to other farming methods.
What bamboo countertop options are there?
Full of character and often less expensive than other countertop materials, bamboo countertops are a top choice for the eco-conscious homeowner.
Harvey Jones Kitchens
20 - 22 The Exchange
Nottingham
NG1 2DD
T: 0115 924 3600
www.harveyjones.com
