GreenSage E-zine 05/2008

Recycled Glass Cement Surface Provide Green Solution For Countertops

In an effort to support the California Department of Conservation, Eco Surfaces™ has announced the manufacture of Urbanslabs™ sustainable cement-based slabs now available for a variety of residential, commercial and hospitality surface applications. Crafted by hand, Urbanslabs™ consist of 50% recycled, post-consumer glass containers such as beer, wine and liquor bottles that are commonly sent to landfill and 10% recycled post industrial waste. This patent pending process contains no resinous binders.

“Eco Surfaces is taking a truly innovative look at the use of waste as a resource,” said architect Jorden Segraves, chair of the United States Green Building Council’s Pacific Regional and Orange County chapters. “Urbanslabs™ represent a completely new use for discarded glass. The company is effectively replacing a farmed resource with a reclaimed or “found” resource that fills a unique niche in the industry and product market.”

Urbanslabs™ are manufactured using a proprietary cement matrix. Light weight 3/4” (2 cm) and 1” (3cm) Urbanslabs™ are made possible by an advanced mix design and unique manufacturing process.

Urbanslabs™ can be cut, bull-nosed, seamed and polished just like the fabrication of natural stone slabs such as granite. Urbanslabs™ can be utilized for a wide array of surface uses including countertops, bathroom vanities, shower panels, floor tiles, backsplash tiles, bathroom stall dividers, wall clad panels, outdoor living surfaces and for furniture tops.

Available in six colors, Urbanslabs™ coordinate with a variety of décor themes. Eco Surfaces’ unique surface-polishing process exposes the glass and provides excellent scratch resistance, while offering a refreshing new look to the industry. Concrete sealer is applied to the Urbanslabs™ at time of manufacture and again at installation to provide outstanding protection from stains.

Urbanslabs™ offer an economical investment compared to poured-in-place and pre-cast concrete countertops, which costs hundreds of dollars per square foot installed.

Urbanslabs™ are available in the following dimensions, 8’ X 3’ X 3/4” (2cm) and 10’ X 5’6” X 1” (3cm). Custom sizes, colors and finishes can be created upon request.

To find out more, Urbanslabs.