Photo from Environ Biocomposites’ website of a Product called Sunset
Just to give you a recap, ThisNext, a shopping network where people list their recommendations for products that they like, asked me to give them a top ten list. (See, “What’s Next in Green Internet Shopping?”) I provided them with a list of my favorite products that I used when I built my house. Number 2 on the list is the Environ biocomposite® product line. (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 chose a product called Sunset 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 was stronger than oak. 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.
Also, 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.
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!
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
this is defently a good idea and good that its eco friendly if it looks as good as granite and its alot cheaper this would be a great idea.
granite worktops
Sunset eh?
That pic at the top looks really like Baltic Brown granite.
Hey dude, anything that incorporates recycling into the plan is a good thing in my book. If you are interested, I wrote an article on granite worktops recently that also covers how it is quarried to how it ends up in a kitchen.
Cya, Andy
Have any of the products you’ve purchased come with warranty? I clicked around on environbiocomposites.com and didn’t come across any thing.
You mention the durability of your cabinets and countertops… do you know of anyone one else that might have purchased something similar, but has had it longer than yourself?
RTA cabinets, I used the composite for my countertop in an area where water is not used. (It is on my desk.) I am sure if you call them, they can tell you who used the product longer than me. Actually, they sell in large volume and I had to pay a charge since I only ordered some pieces. My countertop is four years old now. My wheatboard cabinets are five years old. Neither have had any problems.
I am sure the composite has a limited warranty. Just ask the company. Anna
What a great idea! Especially in today’s economic climate. A friend of mine is currently remodeling his kitchen… I am definitely going to pass this along. I’m sure he will appreciate it, thanks!
Walk in Bathtubs, you can’t use this product in kitchens or baths. Water will damage it. Anna