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?
paul says
June 19, 2008 at 5:26 pmthis 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
Andy says
November 15, 2008 at 12:24 pmSunset 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 😉
RTA Cabinets says
December 14, 2009 at 11:20 amHave 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?
Green Talk says
December 14, 2009 at 6:56 pmRTA 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
Walk In Bathtubs says
January 6, 2010 at 11:14 amWhat 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!
Green Talk says
January 6, 2010 at 12:39 pmWalk in Bathtubs, you can’t use this product in kitchens or baths. Water will damage it. Anna
Kitchen Worktops says
April 19, 2010 at 10:31 amHi Anna, looks like a fantastic product. How did it stand the test of time so far? We often get requests for environmentally friendly worktops, but maintenance and easy up-keeping are a major concern. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts.
Green Talk says
April 19, 2010 at 8:41 pmKitchen worktops, I love it but realize it is not for baths or kitchens. I use it for my desk which gets very little wear and tear on it. Anna
Granite Worktops says
May 4, 2010 at 8:32 amThis is one great product, even if it has to stay away from damp areas.
The image does look like some granite, I hope this product gets about.
All the best
Steam Showers says
May 14, 2010 at 2:59 pmThat is an excellent alternative to marble or corian countertops. I just replaced mine with granite wish I had read this article 2 months ago.
.-= Steam Showers´s last blog ..Why Oasis Steam Showers Are the Best on the Market =-.
Area Rugs says
August 2, 2010 at 9:44 pmAny look a like product is fashionable for the lower end of the market and now we have higher end recycle material that is creatively produced and feel like the real product such as granite.
Eric Auld says
December 10, 2016 at 4:34 amHello sir,
I love this material and i think its better option for us to use in bathrooms and kitchen.
If Someone doesn’t want to use Marble so they can use its alternative Granite which gives the same elegance.
Thanks For Your Information regarding these Counter Tops.
These are so valuable .