The best sustainable kitchen worktops:
Silestone® Quartz with HybriQ+ technology
If you’re looking for sustainable kitchen worktops, we know you’ve got a tough search. Because, as well as wanting eco-friendly worktops, you want high-quality worktops that look fantastic and withstand everyday wear and tear.
The problem is the most practical and durable worktops available have a negative impact on the environment. Not only because of the materials they’re made from but also because of the manufacturing process.
So, finding a worktop that ticks the ‘looks’, ‘performance’ and ‘sustainability’ boxes can seem impossible. But we’re pleased to say it’s not!
Introducing Silestone® quartz with HybriQ+ by Cosentino
Cosentino is a global, sustainable, and pioneering worktop manufacturer who are leading the way in producing eco-friendly quartz countertops.
They’ve spent years refining their latest technology for their Silestone® quartz products: HybriQ+. For this range, they’ve focused on the circular economy philosophy (where the production and consumption of products involve reusing and recycling existing materials for as long as possible) to reduce their impact on the environment.
So, how are Silestone® quartz worktops with HybriQ+ technology more sustainable? Let’s take a look:
Silestone® HybriQ+ sustainable worktops contain at least 20% recycled raw materials
Extracting, refining and processing raw materials not only depletes the world of its natural resources, but also uses vast amounts of energy and creates air and water pollution.
Silestone® with HybriQ+ is a hybrid surface formulated from a high-performance blend of premium minerals, quartz and at least 20% recycled glass.
By using recycled glass, energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions are lowered. And a large amount of waste is saved from going to landfill.
Not only does this make Silestone® with HybriQ+ more sustainable, but the composition of materials enables previously unseen effects in colour depths, textures, and tones. This means Cosentino’s partly recycled kitchen worktops look even more natural and beautiful than standard Silestone® worktops.
Silestone® HybriQ+ sustainable worktops contain less crystalline silica
Crystalline silica is another name for quartz. It’s a natural mineral that forms in the earth’s crust and can be found in materials such as sand, stone and concrete. It’s used to make many products such as glass, pottery, bricks and quartz worktops.
But unfortunately, crystalline silica is a dangerous substance. Luckily, it doesn’t pose a risk to consumers once a product has been installed. But, when the material is cut, ground-down or drilled into, it causes a lot of dust containing tiny crystalline particles. And when these particles are breathed in, it’s a major health hazard for exposed workers – causing lung disease and cancer.
The new composition of materials used in Silestone® HybriQ+ products naturally reduce the amount of crystalline silica used. So, depending on the shade, Silestone® quartz made with HybriQ+ technology use only 50% or 10% crystalline silica.
Silestone® HybriQ+ sustainable worktops are made using 99% recycled water
The world is facing increased periods of drought due to climate change. And there’s a greater need to protect our waterways from pollution. So, it’s more vital than ever that industries recycle the water they use.
Wastewater from manufacturing can have a devastating impact on the environment. Threatening marine life and the ecosystem, but also threatening the safety of the human population too.
That’s why Cosentino uses 99% recycled water in their manufacturing process for Silestone® HybriQ+ worktops.
Silestone® HybriQ+ sustainable worktops are made using 100% renewable energy
We all know that burning fossil fuels to create energy is bad for the environment. When they’re burned, they release carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, which trap heat in our atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change.
Manufacturers worldwide are slowly decreasing their use of fossil fuels and switching to renewable energy for some of their manufacturing instead.
But Cosentino has gone a step further with their new HybriQ+ technology because 100% of the energy they use to manufacture Silestone® with HybriQ+ is renewable. Which means they’ve dramatically reduced their carbon footprint.
Other benefits of Silestone® quartz
With other sustainable kitchen worktops, you may find that the composition of materials has a detrimental effect on the durability of the worktop. But this isn’t the case with Silestone® HybriQ+.
The new composition of materials and manufacturing process of Silestone® with HybriQ+ maintains the guaranteed, high quality of all Silestone® worktops. So, as well as being beautiful and sustainable, Silestone® worktops with HybriQ+ are:
- Highly resistant to stains and acids that are commonly found in everyday kitchen use.
- Highly resistant to scratches and impacts.
- Maintenance-free – all they need is a wipe down with soapy water.
- Flexible in design choices – Silestone® can be cut into any shape, so it’s ideal for curved cabinets, round sinks and much more.
- Covered by a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty.
Silestone® sustainable worktops made using HybriQ+ technology come in a range of colours
Cosentino is continuously working to increase their colour range of Silestone® with HybriQ+ technology. It’s currently available in their ‘Loft’ and ‘Sunlit’ range of colours.
Sunlit is the newest range, consisting of shades inspired by the Mediterranean. Here are some examples of their stunning colours.
In summary
Silestone quartz with HybriQ+ technology is one of the most sustainable kitchen worktops available. Containing at least 20% recycled materials and less harmful silica. And using 99% recycled water and 100% renewable energy in the manufacturing process. So, when you choose HybriQ+, you can rest assured that you’re doing your bit for the planet.
SEH Interiors have over 10 years’ experience supplying and fitting premium-quality kitchen worktops at affordable prices across the UK.
Browse our Silestone® worktop range.
