Eco Paperstone

The solid surface material

This article focuses on Eco Paperstone and provides you with a detailed environmental analysis of this reconstituted hard surface material.

Enabling you to make an informed decision when choosing your next worktop or shelving unit. Paperstone is a good alternative to natural hard surface materials like stone and granite. That said is is processed & manufactured which lowers the eco credentials.

Description
♦ Eco Paperstone is a sustainable composite material which is similar in appearance to soapstone.
♦ The main material is recycled paper.
♦ Properties are similar to other solid surface materials.
♦ Appearance is slightly mottled with a smoothly polished surface.
♦ Available in a wide range of colours.
♦ This material has the same warmth properties as timber.
♦ Now also manufactured from bamboo fibres and organic cashew nut shell resins.

Uses
♦ Suitable for interior use; worktops, vanity/desk/table tops, shelves and window sills.

Advantages
♦ Good stain resistant properties.
♦ Resistant to heat up to 176 degrees Celsius / 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
♦ Excellent water/moisture resistant properties – only 1% absorption rate.
♦ Dense nature gives good bacteria resistant properties.
♦ Worktops cannot be damaged with knife marks.
♦ This is workable like timber.

Disadvantages
♦ Although stain resistant, this material is not 100% stain proof.

Embodied Energy
♦ This manufactured material helps reduce the demand for quarrying and extraction of natural stone and mineral – lowering the level of embodied energy.
♦ An excellent alternative that has lower embodied energy levels than other manufactured composite materials.
♦ Transportation and distribution from overseas increase embodied energy.
♦ Manufacturing process reduces water usage and waste.

Source/Origin
♦ Manufactured in United States of America.

Renewable
♦ Yes

Environment & Health
♦ Resins are water based, contain non-petroleum based phenols and oil made from cashew nut shells.
♦ Non toxic and no added formaldehyde.
♦ No toxic VOCs released.
♦ Vegetable based oils and waxes are used as a surface finish.

Performance
♦ Extremely durable and dense.

Maintenance
♦ Easy to clean using mild, non toxic cleaning agents and a soft cloth.
♦ Any damaged caused can be retouched with light sanding.

Recycled content
♦ Contains between 50 to 100% post consumer recycled paper and post industrial paper waste.
♦ Look for paperstone that carries the Forest Stewardship Council's (FSC) recycled content label (100% recycled content only).

Recyclable
♦ Yes into lower grade chippings.

Disposal / Biodegradable
♦ Yes

Go back to the eco materials main page

Return from Eco Paperstone to the homepage