The conversation around sustainability has made its way into the design world in recent years – and for good reason. The building and construction industry is responsible for nearly 40% of global carbon emissions, putting the spotlight on interior designers and the role they play in the battle against climate change.
Rare resources such as marble have long been a sought-after material used in home builds and remodels. However, as consumers become more aware of the carbon-heavy mining and manufacturing process, more and more people have opted for greener design options for their homes. Fortunately, there are now a wide variety of eco-friendly alternatives to natural stone that provide plenty of benefits without sacrificing the environment.
Lower cost without the compromise
Materials like marble and natural stone are synonymous with luxury, but they are also costly and not at a price point that everyone can afford. The great news is that there are more cost-effective options that look just as good and are more sustainable and durable than the real deal.
With the help of multi-layer printing technology, many companies now offer a natural stone design using more affordable and sustainable materials. Kaolin Tiles’ 12-layer printing technique creates porcelain marble tiles that are virtually indistinguishable from authentic natural stone, allowing clients to choose a more affordable option without sacrificing the elegance and beauty of their space.
Move over marble
For most people, the kitchen bench is one of the most used surfaces in the home. With this in mind, choosing a material that will weather the storm of spilled drinks, messy dinners, and your kids’ craft activities is essential. While marble looks beautiful, natural stone is highly porous and easily stained unless sealed and well-maintained. Marble can also chip or scratch quite easily, making it a less-than-desirable option for frequently used areas such as benchtops.
Porcelain, on the other hand, offers beauty and durability at the same time. Marble-look porcelain tiles provide a stain and heat-resistant finish while still providing an elegant marble look. When it comes to important areas like kitchen benchtops, this means you can have peace of mind knowing that it will stand the test of time and stay beautiful throughout all manner of day-to-day activities.
Tracing your materials
When it comes to sustainable design, knowing the origins of materials is a huge step towards ensuring that the production process is transparent and accountable. In comparison to natural marble and stone, the clay used in porcelain tiles is already a more sustainable option as it’s a highly abundant mineral found all over the world. Despite this, material tracing is an important way that companies and consumers can make sure that their tiles are meeting sustainability standards throughout the entire manufacturing journey.
To ensure that the clay mining and manufacturing process is as transparent as possible, companies like Kaolin Tiles implement measures to trace the product back to its origins. This ensures that everything from the place it was sourced to the time of production and the details of the production line are recorded to maintain ethical and sustainable standards at every turn. For eco-minded consumers, this provides peace of mind knowing that they can choose the best option for the planet and for their home.
Sustainability is on the agenda
As porcelain is a far more abundant and sustainable alternative to finite resources such as natural stone, it is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for home builders and renovators with eco-friendly design on the mind.
Now more than ever, consumers are wanting sustainable home design materials that offer the same look, feel, and experience as marble without the environmental impact. These sophisticated alternatives show that we no longer need to sacrifice the earth’s natural resources in order to have the gorgeous homes we dream of.
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