Make it with Zero Silica

The design and construction industry has the unique opportunity to build a more sustainable future through responsible material selections helping people to thrive at home and in the community.

The materials specified have an impact not just on the environment but also the end user, the fabricators and building sites.

Let’s look at several ways responsible surface selection can contribute towards a sustainable future:

Zero Silica

As stated by Safe Work Australia, “Uncontrolled cutting and grinding of materials containing crystalline silica presents a serious risk to health.”

The recommended guidelines state the best way to protect workers is to eliminate or substitute the risk. Thankfully, there are surface materials available that contain ZERO silica, of which Corian^® Solid Surface is one.

Sources: https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/safety-topic/hazards/crystalline-silica-and-silicosis   
https://casf.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Corian-solid-surface-material-09112018-Australia.pdf

The Responsible Material Specification

With the emergence of Silicosis within the stone industry, we are seeing specifiers selection of materials with zero silica content being more closely considered.  The building industry is aware of the dangers of silica exposure when grinding, cutting or polishing natural and/or engineered stone.  Silica exposure can lead to serious, or in some cases fatal illnesses, and measures must be taken to protect workers from exposure to silica dust on building sites.

Corian^® Solid Surface is a material made from a formulation of natural minerals, with an acrylic resin binder. Due to this composition, Corian^® contains zero silica and as such provides no risk of silica exposure when working at the fabrication level or during installation on building sites. By specifying Corian^® Solid Surface, you are making it easier to maintain a safe work site and keeping those working with the material safe.

Future-proofing and circular economy

By Selecting products that can be Renewed, repaired, reused, Specifiers and Designers have the opportunity to future proof their designs and create a circular economy. Corian^® solid surface meets all of these criteria.  This is in thanks to the special formulation of natural minerals and high quality acrylic binder. This helps hold greater resource savings by having an extensive product lifespan.  An example of future proofing can be found within the St Vincent’s Private Hospital Operating Theatre Walls.

Recycled content

Selected colours of Corian^® Solid Surface are made using between 5% to 20% of pre-consumer recycled materials/ingredients, as certified by Scientific Certification Systems (SCS), an independent organisation.  Discover the range of Corian colours.

Continual innovation

Corian^® is the original solid surface and was founded on the idea of innovation and science. Innovating manufacturing processes to reduce energy consumption, eliminate or minimise production scraps and waste and optimise packaging.

Zero Landfill status

In 2012, DuPont reached zero landfill status at all of the Corian^® Solid Surface plants. Off cuts of material are used to create particulates in the range of colours with recycled content, and material that can not be used in this way is used as road base.

Reducing impact

Corian^® Solid Surface helps meet the highest hygiene standards in residential, commercial, and public spaces. Corian^® Solid Surface is non-porous so dirt, germs, bacteria and viruses cannot penetrate the material. Using seamless joining techniques integration of multiple elements such as sinks and Corian basins, the surface continuity makes cleaning, sanitising and routine maintenance easier, resulting in the reduction of overuse of chemicals and detergents.

Low VOC and Declare Red List Free

Corian^® Solid Surface has a very low content of VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) and it is also compliant with the EU REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006). Corian is free from dangerous chemicals, and Declare Red List Free. These certifications are available to download from our website: https://casf.com.au/technical-type/sustainability/

Renewable Energy Sources

Corian^® Solid Surface North American plant use 100% of the electricity coming from renewable energy sources and they have all achieved the ISO 14001 certification for their environmental management system. The plants participate in the Responsible Care program of national and international chemical industry associations.  Read the full Corian^® Sustainability statement here.

Social Responsibility

Specifiers, Designers and Manufacturers, have a duty to ensure that the working conditions meet ethical and responsible standards. Corian complies within the DuPont Code of Conduct throughout the value chain. This code covers a range of topics, including Child Labour, Bribery, Corruption, Sustainability, Climate Change and many other topics.

Transparency

The Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a Type-III environmental label that details the production process and the environmental profile of a product. The Corian EPD is verified by an independent third party and subjected to a stringent scientific environmental assessment. View the Corian^® EPD.

Writing a specification with Corian^®

One of the easiest ways to ensure all stakeholders understand what is included within the design is to write a specification on the surfaces selected and include details of the silica content and provide links back to the material supplier for further information such as this example below:

When you choose Corian^® Solid Surface, you choose a surfacing product which is both beautiful to behold and harmonious with the health of the planet and it’s inhabitants.

Net Zero 2030

Inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Agenda, CASF are working towards a goal of net zero by 2030.  Follow us on this journey www.casf.com.au