Three Alternative Materials for Bathroom Furnishings
Ceramics continue to be the preferred and most widely used material for sanitary fixtures and bathroom cladding, thanks to their scratch resistance, durability, and hygienic properties. However, the environmental impact of ceramics is considerable, primarily due to the industrial processes involved, the extractive nature of the raw materials used, and the weight of the products, which complicates transportation.
In response to these challenges, an increasing number of companies are developing alternative solutions based on different raw materials.
Here are some examples from the Material ConneXion database:
Sintered stones have emerged as a well-established and widely used alternative to traditional ceramics in bathroom furnishings and various architectural applications. These man-made materials consist of a blend of natural minerals subjected to a sintering process. One of the first sintered stones on the market, and the only one certified by the European Union, is a 100% natural product produced entirely in Italy.
This material’s solidity and resistance make it suitable for processing like natural stone. It is resistant to heat, frost, UV rays, and scratches, and it is non-absorbent, making it ideal for kitchens and outdoor spaces. As a “full-body” material, it is uniform throughout its volume and is available in large-format slabs with different thicknesses. Sintered stones can be used in a variety of bathroom furnishings, including cladding, countertops, sinks, and shower trays.
There are also projects focused on reusing industrial solid waste in the production of ceramic products. For instance, the materials mentioned above are locally manufactured with at least 85% recycled content. The waste is typically crushed, sieved, or mixed to create a fine powder that serves as a secondary raw material for new ceramic products.
This patented technology enables the production of sustainable ceramic items, significantly reducing costs and the carbon footprint compared to traditional ceramics. Available in a variety of colors, finishes, and compositions, this material is suitable for applications such as flooring, wall coverings, countertops, and more.
More innovative and unconventional solutions are emerging, such as a 100% waterproof wood composite developed by a Finnish company, presented as an ecological alternative to ceramics for bathroom furnishings. This composite is made from wood chips and a polymer binder, processed to seal its porous structure, making it ideal for applications where traditional wood would typically be unsuitable.
The material has a silky touch, is scratch-resistant, and easy to clean. Available in various colors and finishes, it can be molded into large forms for sinks, bathtubs, and tiles. Impressively, the carbon footprint of products made with this composite is currently 30-50% lower than that of comparable ceramic products. Furthermore, the company is committed to recovering products and sheet materials at the end of their life cycle at its facilities in Finland, ensuring they are selected and reused in cement production.
To discover more about innovative materials and trends, contact Materially about the Material ConneXion’s Materials Insights subscription. Gain access to thousands of cutting-edge material reports and explore the Materials Library, which features a database of 10,000 innovative materials for your projects.
For more information, please reach out to info@materially.eu.
