What makes CaesarStone a "green" product?
The term "green" as it is currently applied has many possible definitions and may be confusing. Yet there are international standards and certifications, and CaesarStone does all it can to adhere to applicable guidelines. Ultimately, we believe that "green" means being a good environmental partner, and we do everything we can to achieve this goal.
CaesarStone is the only quartz surface manufacturer that is ISO 14001 certified. ISO 14001 certification entails a voluntary environmental management system implemented with appropriate goals and commitments. This standard improves corporate performance and provides an objective basis to verify a company's claims about its environmental commitment. This is particularly important since any company can make assertions about their "green" practices. ISO 14001 certification is one of the most reliable ways to access environmental responsibility at a corporate level.
Does CaesarStone have recycled content?
If you collect the dust from making slabs, what do you do with it? CaesarStone currently utilizes about 5-7% recycled content in the manufacture of our 7000 series. The dust is collected by our water recycling system and is then separated from the water. This extraction process turns the dust into an inert solids. Parts of these solids are sold to building materials manufacturers and the remainder is disposed of by government-authorized facilities. CaesarStone now offers two new remarkable recycled surfaces the complement any decor and make up the Recycled Collection. The Recycled Collection is comprised of recycled CaesarStone material.
What is the environmental impact from production of CaesarStone products?
CaesarStone works constantly to ensure that the environmental impact of manufacturing is minimized. From recycling to transportation, every effort is made to be a responsible environmental partner.
What is the installation method? Are glues and adhesives required?
If so what is the chemical base for these glues and adhesives? Any toxic or volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions? CaesarStone is installed using the same methods as ceramic, granite or marble. Glues and adhesives that are commonly used are silicone, caulk and stone (polyester, acrylic and epoxy, respectively). In the U.S. most manufacturers of glues and adhesives provide products that have either low or no VOC emissions and meet the standards set forward in LEED. The glues or adhesives used should be specified in the construction documents.
How many stops does the product make before it is delivered to the job site?
Generally, the supply chain originates at the manufacturer, continues to the distributor, then the fabricator and ultimately the job site.
Is quartz an abundant material?
Quartz is one of the most common materials on Earth. It can be found virtually anywhere in much larger quantities than any other stone product in the world.
How long do CaesarStone countertops last?
CaesarStone countertops last as long as the owner wants them to - hence, our Lifetime Guarantee. We have installations that are over 20 years old. CaesarStone countertops are generally only replaced due to a change in the owner¡¯s design taste.
Why is CaesarStone more eco-friendly than granite?
- Quartz is a more abundant material than granite
- CaesarStone has a longer lifecycle than granite
- Less water, soap and detergents are necessary for upkeep
- It requires no sealing or coatings
- There is less material waste during manufacturing (quarrying) and fabrication
- It is nonporous and more hygienic according to NSF 51 standards
- CaesarStone uses recycled materials in our surfaces
How is quartz obtained? Is the process eco-friendly?
Quartz comes in many forms and is quarried in various places around the world. Boulders, which are crushed, washed and shifted, are the most common source of quartz. The quarries that CaesarStone works with are required by local authorities to restore the quarry after they consume the quartz from the site. These boulders are normally by-products of other mining industries, and by using them, CaesarStone helps eliminate waste in these environments. Further, CaesarStone is obligated to restore the quarries after all of the quartz has been obtained from the site. This is a requirement with which we are happy to comply.
Quartz is also available as sand, a by-product of when the mineral is quarried for the glass industry. The quartz we obtain from the sand is considered waste and cannot be used in the manufacture of glass. This is another way CaesarStone recycles otherwise unusable materials and helps preserve the environment. Almost 20% of our production comes from these sources.
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