ECO Benchtops was the first to use recycled crushed glass (RCG) in 2017.

The recent ban on engineered stone has fuelled a welcome rise in eco-friendly benchtops available to consumers. With so many options to choose from, we share why recycled crushed glass is the material of choice for Eco Benchtops in creating safe, sustainable benchtops with unparalleled performance and style.

What is Recycled Crushed Glass (RCG)?

More than one million tonnes of glass packaging are consumed in Australia each year. Thanks to ongoing recycling efforts, approximately half of this volume is returned for recycling.

The silica in glass is amorphous, which, unlike crystalline silica (e.g., quartz), is not dangerous to humans and won’t lodge itself into our respiratory system. RCG offers the durability and hardness of silica without the health risks.

What are the benefits of RCG?

Choosing a benchtop made from RCG offers a range of advantages over other alternatives:

Environmental sustainability

  • Reduced waste through the diversion of recyclable glass from landfills – every Eco benchtop contains approximately 780 glass bottles.
  • Preservation of virgin natural resources, such as sand used in the creation of new glass.
  • Processed using lower heat for reduced energy consumption.
  • Generates significantly less greenhouse emissions and carbon footprint than producing new glass or mining natural stone.

Safety

  • Less than 1% crystalline silica, preventing silicosis and other related respiratory disease in workers.
  • A low porosity surface offers higher levels of hygiene for environments such as food preparation, along with enhanced resistance to chemicals, impact, heat and fire.

Aesthetic appeal

  • The variation in RCG materials often delivers unique colours, textures and sparkling elements to produce an individualised and eye-catching effect.
  • Luxe, high-quality honed finish is practical to use every day and is chemically sealed to create even higher levels of stain resistance.

Durability and strength

  • Eco benchtops are long-lasting and will withstand the daily rigours of everyday living. Our technical information illustrates the extent to which our products are tested.

Eco Benchtops’ innovative unique technology enables us to transform this valuable resource into a safe, sustainable product that has all the beauty and durability of engineered stone, minus the impact on human and environmental health.

Each Eco benchtop is comprised of over 80% RCG sourced wholly in Australia, bound with resins and pigments to create a unique benchtop in a versatile range of shades and textures. This means you can rest easy knowing that your benchtop not only looks and feels great, but is infinitely better for humankind and the environment too.