A Recycled Content Countertop That Looks like Granite

Sunset, one of Environ biocomposite’s^® Products.

See updated below 12/29/2011

Just to give you a recap, in my prior article, “What’s Next in Green Internet  Shopping?”  I listed my top ten favorite green building products that I used on my own home.  (The article was written for This Next, a site where people make recommendations.)  Number 2 on the list is the Environ biocomposite^®  product line, which I used for my desk countertop.  (Remember, I listed the products in a rambling fashion, so the products are not ranked.)

Environ biocomposite^® products are made out of recycled newspapers, soy based resin, and color additives.  According to their website, they offer 8 different colors, such as emerald, lapis, and vermillion.  I bought the Company’s Sunset product for my desk countertop.   It looks just like brown granite.

Why did I choose this product?

I wanted a countertop that was eco-friendly and strong, but had the look of granite. According to the literature that I had, the Company touted their product as stronger than oak.  From an aesthetic point of view, the product, Sunset, compliments my cabinets that are a lighter shade of brown.

Environ biocomposite^® products can be routed just like wood so you can create a countertop edge on the product. I would recommend sealing your countertop with a water based product. My countertop looks great even after two years of abuse by me.  Just as a side note, you can not use this product for a kitchen or bathroom countertop.

What Other Product Do They Make?

Environ makes  a product called Dakota Burl^®, which mimics the look of a burled wood.

“The material is created from an agricultural fiber, sunflower hulls, making this a beautiful environmental option to hardwood,” according to the information on Environ Biocomposite’s website.

It can be stained or left in its natural state.

Although this article is about countertops, just as a side note, Environ also produces a product called BIOFIBER™ Wheat, which is made out of wheatstraw.  This product can be used as an alternative to traditional hardwood and paneling.

My kitchen cabinets are made out of wheatstraw particleboard; however, I used a product made by Dow called Woodstalk.  Dow is no longer distributing this product much to my dismay.  My cabinets have held up beautifully, and they are almost three years old.

Interested in the Product? Read this First

If you are interested in any of Environ Biocomposite’s products, their website contains very little information about any of their products.  When I was interested in one of the Biocomposite products, I called their sales department and they sent me a sample of the product that I liked.

It is also a good idea to find out who distributes their products.  When I bought the product, Sunset, I had to buy it directly from the Company, since no one in my area carried it.  The shipping costs and upcharges for not ordering their minimum amount still made it cheaper than buying granite.

The added benefit is I now have this beautiful eco-friendly countertop that people still believe is granite!

Join the Conversation

• Have you used any of their products?  If so, how do you like the product?
• Have you used a composite product for your countertops?  If so, how have they held up?
• Would you consider using a composite product such as Environ?  If not, how come?

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