Cosentino, a leading manufacturer of quartz surfacing and a large importer of natural stone from around the world, recently launched ECO by Cosentino, a revolutionary new line of countertop and surfacing material composed of 75% recycled material.

The result of a $6 million research and development investment, this innovative new product caters to the environmentally conscious and design-oriented architect, designer and consumer by providing high-performance, design and sustainability, according to the manufacturer.

ECO™ by Cosentino is composed of 75% post-industrial and post-consumer recycled raw material. By utilizing recycled materials, Cosentino is “upcycling” products that have reached the end of their lifecycle - meaning that they cannot be incorporated into any other industrial product and would otherwise collect in landfill sites. According to Cosentino, approximately 3,000 glass bottles equal 1 ton of raw materials. The production of ECO by Cosentino is expected to re-use the equivalent of more than 11 million glass bottles every year, reports the company.

The recycled content is then mixed with 25% natural material, including stone scrap from mountains, quarries, manufacturing and fabrication; and is bonded together with a proprietary eco-friendly 22% corn oil resin.

ECO by Cosentino is achieved through state-of-the-art technology and delivers a hard durable surface that has high stain, scratch and scorch performance, the manufacturer reports, adding that it is non-porous and does not require sealers.

At launch, ECO by Cosentino is available in two color palettes - the Revive collection and the Green collection - totaling 10 individual designer colors, suitable for both commercial and residential projects. It is also available in both a polished and a matte Leather Texture™ finish.

ECO by Cosentino is available in jumbo slabs of 63 x 128 inches and standard tile sizes of 12 x 12, 18 x 18 and 24 x 24 inches. The slabs are available in 1.2, 2 and 3 cm thickness to respond to varying market needs. Architects and building teams will gain points toward LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council for a building project that utilizes ECO by Cosentino surfacing. ECO by Cosentino is Greenguard certified for low chemical emissions.

www.cosentinonorthamerica.com

Domain Industries has introduced 11 new models to its premium line of Stratus stainless steel sinks. Each Stratus sink is handcrafted from 15-gauge, certified-304 stainless steel and features bowl depths up to 11 inches and widths up to 43 inches for the discerning consumer. Stratus handcrafted sinks feature tight 15-mm radius corners, creating a design that is easy to clean and maintain during daily use, reports Domain Industries.

Domain Industries has also expanded its popular line of pure porcelain ceramic sinks to include more than 20 new vessel-mount and drop-in models. Additionally, three new bathroom pedestal sinks with contemporary styling have also been added to round out the product line. Domain Industries offers premium kitchen and bath products direct to dealers and fabricators with same-day, nationwide shipping on most products, according to the company.

www.domainindustries.com

Pangea Quartz offers a new line of engineered quartz stone manufactured in a state-of-the-art facility in Vietnam, under the Italian patented seal of BretonStone and TeraStone, has recently been introduced.

In 2006, the factory received its ISO9001-2000 and ISO14001-2004 for its quality and environment management systems. Daily production is 2,100 square meters - equaling 500 slabs - but as of April 2009, with the addition of the second press, the company reports producing 5,000 square meters per day - equaling 1,200 slabs, including jumbo slabs in size: 330 x 160 cm (130 x 63 inches).

The manufacturer reports producing one of the whitest stones in the market due to available raw materials used in its preparation. Current sizes include 300 x 140 x 1.2 cm and 2 and 3 cm thicknesses, which is 118 x 55 inches in ½-, ¾- and 1 ¼-inch thicknesses. Available in 51 colors, with the plan to develop newer ones, delivery time is no more than two to four weeks from the order date, according to the manufacturer, and there is no duty rate. The company is also actively seeking importers/distributors in the U.S. and Canada.

www.pangeaquartz.com