TILE: NEW DIRECTIONS
Tile is one of those classic products that’s proven itself in the built environment for centuries. Recently, however, tile has been pushed in new directions-with the addition of recycled content to the mix, to produce new textures, colors, and patterns. The challenge has been to retain tile’s inherent strengths: durability, low water absorption, and stability, at the same time reinventing the way tiles are made. By all accounts, these efforts have proven successful and opened up a world of new options to green-minded buyers. But tile never had far to go to tout its sustainability. Glazed floor tile, in particular, is a product that’s about as close as you can get to a life-of-the-home material, especially when applied with water-and stain-resistant epoxy grouts.
ALKEMI ACRYLIC
A polyester-based composite surfacing material, Alkemi adds recycled aluminum flakes to its mix (34% post-industrial scrap by weight-as certified-or 60% by volume), then polishes the surface smooth. The resulting countertop not only keeps scrap aluminum of this type from being incinerated and causing pollution, but it’s also attractive to look at. The finished product is hard, heat and impact resistant, and can be worked like most other solid surface materials.
www.alkemi.com
PAPERSTONE
PaperStone is made by laminating layers of 100% FSC-certified post-consumer recycled paper together with a “PetroFree” phenolic resin. The sheets are then fused together under high heat and pressure. The resulting 3/4” countertop material is strong enough to cantilever 18”. It’s scratch resistant, can handle heat up to 350 F, and comes with a 15-year limited warranty.
www.paperstoneproducts.com
RECYCLETOP
An unusual countertop made from 100% FSC-certified post-consumer paper fiber and a mix of cashew resin and water-based VOC-free resins, this material from Washington-based KlipTech has a 65% fiber content and can withstand up to 360 F temperatures. Scratch resistant and easily fabricated, it also resists stains and won’t support bacterial or fungus growth.
www.kliptech.com
DAL-TILE OUTSTAND TILE
New glazed porcelain tiles from Dal-Tile’s Colour Scheme collection include a super-tough surface “OutStand” layer. What makes it green? The layer lasts the life of the tile, so there’s no need to apply maintenance sealers and coatings. In addition, the tiles are made in the United States, using more than 60% pre-consumer content-a fact that also helps them earn points in some green building programs.
www.daltile.com
TILES OF ITALY
The Italian tile industry has made a serious commitment to greening both its operations and its products. Admittedly, they were already most of the way there. As an inert, long-lasting, durable material, clay tile is inherently “green.” But the industry keeps close watch on which products are sold in the United States and encourages companies to include re-used and recycled content in their newest lines.
www.italytile.com
“The energy saved from recycling one glass bottle can run a 100W light bulb for four hours or a compact fluorescent bulb for 20 hours. It also causes 20% less air pollution and 50% less water pollution than when a new bottle is made from raw materials.”
-recycling-revolution.com
62
02.2011
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