The best sustainable kitchen worktops:

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.

Finding sustainable kitchen worktops that ticks the ‘looks’, ‘performance’ and ‘sustainability’ boxes can seem impossible. But we’re pleased to say it’s not!

Introducing Silestone 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 engineered 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 is Silestone with HybriQ+ technology more eco friendly? Let’s take a look:

HybriQ+ sustainable kitchen 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.

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 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.

HybriQ+ sustainable kitchen 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, if the material is cut, ground-down or drilled into, if not handled correctly it can cause a lot of dust containing tiny crystalline particles. And when these particles are breathed in, it can pose a major health hazard for exposed workers – which has been associated with cases of lung disease and cancer.

The new composition of materials used in HybriQ+ products naturally reduce the amount of crystalline silica used. So, depending on the shade, this new technology uses only 50% or 10% crystalline silica.

Silestone HybriQ+ sustainable kitchen 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 use 99% recycled water in their manufacturing process for Silestone HybriQ+ worktops.

Silestone HybriQ+ eco friendly 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 HybriQ+

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 Cosetino’s new eco friendly Silestone maintains the guaranteed and high quality this material has become known for. So, as well as being beautiful and sustainable, this new material is:

• 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 – 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 kitchen 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 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 20 years of experience supplying and fitting premium-quality kitchen worktops at affordable prices across the UK.
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