Recycled/Composite Counter Tops

Threshold Design uses local materials for all of their aggregate and cement products – replacing as much as 25% of the cement content with ingredients obtained from industrial by-products near Ottawa. Another way that they have made a ‘Greener’ product is by using post consumer recycled glass and making sure that 97% of what goes into our concrete is recycled content. Aggregates are quarried within 50 kms of their shop and their waste water is filtered so that it can be recycled back into the process and used in the concrete mix.

Source:  http://www.threshold-design.net/Welcome.html

Composite and recycled countertops are pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity and offer some very distinct differences in available choices compared to more standard materials. As with any material however, there's always some strong points and weak points.


Positives
Composite and recycled countertops offer the following benefits:

• Positive environmental impact - Most have some measure of positive environmental effect either in the materials and/or the methods used to make the material.
• Durability and stain resistance on some types - The products that use a large percentage of recycled glass in a cementitious mix offer strength and stain resistance similar to the quartz and engineered stone products. Because 80% to 90% of the surface area is glass, which is non-porous, most of the countertop will be impenetrable to staining. A sealer can protect the remainder of the surface from stains.
• Innovation and individuality - Some composite and recycled countertop products offer unique looks and design possibilities and haven't yet reached the level of "everybody has it".
• Good alternate to other countertop materials - Several types of composite and recycled countertops provide good alternatives to other countertop choices by offering similar looks for lower cost or less maintenance; ceramic cement in instead of concrete for example or recycled glass instead of stone.

...And Some Of The Drawbacks

• Newness within the marketplace - Some composite and recycled countertops are still very new in the marketplace so long term care requirements and durability are yet to be seen.
• Variability in the amount of "green-ness" - Certain makers of recycled countertops use recycled materials but combine them with petroleum-based binders or other less-green processes. If you're looking for products with a high environmental impact, look closely at what goes into their makeup and production.
• Level of care required - Products that use concrete or other type of cement-based ingredients require care similar to stone countertops. This usually involves sealing the surface periodically. To do that requires you to move everything off your countertop to seal the surface and let it cure.
• Repairability - Consider how and if the type of composite or recycled countertop you might choose can be repaired if necessary. A countertop whose surface area is made up of 80-90% of recycled glass might chip if something hard enough is dropped on it. Most product makers eventually develop means for repairs but newer products may not achieve that level of market maturity for a while.
• Availability - Certain countertops may be harder to get based on a limited dealer network, recency in the marketplace or a combination of both. Most manufacturers ultimately want to sell you their product and will find a way to do that, either directly or through a local dealer/distributor. Buying countertops 'remotely' is not new however the process requires some additional up-front logistics work to ensure it's made, shipped and installed correctly.

SOURCE:  http://www.home-style-choices.com/composite-and-recycled-countertops.html