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 &amp; 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 &ndash; 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 &ndash; 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

Environment &amp; 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).