This is a 2 part series in which we will share with you options for using recycled-content countertops for your kitchen and bath remodel. Gone of the days of ugly recycled countertop materials. We are in a new era of innovative products that rival – and sometimes surpass – the sophistication of granite. Whether your space is modern, traditional, or contemporary, there is a sustainable countertop option that is sure to steal the show.
We have compiled an exhaustive list of eco-countertops and there are new products coming on the market often. Since we remodel in Seattle, we have ranked them in order of closest to Seattle so that our local readers can make an informed decision about the transportation element of the product’s sustainability.
RECYCLED PAPER/WOOD



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Richlite
Content: 50% corrugated cardboard to 100% FSC certified recycled paper depending on color. Some are FSC certified.
Manufactured in: Tacoma, WA
Material source: Unknown
# of colors: 7
Waste during manufacturing: Unknown
Website: http://www.richlite.com/countertop/
Notes: We have had this product in our showroom kitchen on Capitol Hill for 4 years now and have been very happy with it. We’ve had it refinished once (which makes it look brand new) although many people prefer to keep the patina that it gets over time.


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Paperstone
Content: 100% FSC certified recycled paper and water based phenolic resin with cashew nut shell binder and pigment.
Manufactured in: Hoquiam, WA
Material source: Unknown
# of colors: 13
Waste during manufacturing: Unknown
Website: http://www.paperstoneproducts.com/
Notes: Created by the same people who created Richlite. We used Paperstone Mocha in the above left picture. Click here to see more of this Gaspar’s kitchen remodel.

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.Eco-Top
Content: 50/50 blend of FSC certified post-consumer recycled paper and rapidly renewable bamboo fiber. Bound with 100% water-based system.
Manufactured in: Tacoma, WA, Wisconsin, Texas, California
Material source: Close to manufacturing. Bought from nearest paper facility.
Recyclable? Unknown
# of colors: 10
Waste during manufacturing: All leftovers and edge trimmings go to Recovery One.
Website: http://www.kliptech.com/ecotop.html

Recycle-Top
Content: 100% post-consumer reycled curbside paper and corn-based 30% organic resin
Manufactured in: Tacoma, WA
Material source: Bought from nearest paper facility.
# of colors: 3
Waste during manufacturing: Unknown
Notes: This product is so new that it isn’t even on the manufacturer’s website yet. It will be available some time in 2010.
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