5 Things About Silestone’s Low-Silica Evolution to a Hybrid Mineral Surface

For more than seven years, Cosentino has been working towards the evolution of Silestone® to become a more sustainable, low-silica mineral surface. In 2017 research began for what today is the company’s pioneering Hybriq® technology that transformed Silestone’s manufacturing process, as well as its composition, significantly reducing the presence of crystalline silica without impacting performance or quality.

EARTHIC by Silestone XM is manufactured sustainably with a maximum of 10% crystalline silica and up to 30% recycled components.

Here are the five things to know about Silestone®’s transformation:

• All Silestone colors are produced with Hybriq® technology, which means they have a low silica content (40% or less). The presence of quartz has been reduced by using premium, high-performance raw minerals and recycled materials in its composition.

• The production process of Silestone made with Hybriq® technology is manufactured using 99% reused water, 100% renewable energy, produces zero water waste, and ensures a minimum of 20% recycled raw materials with Hybriq+.

• To distinguish products made with 10% or less silica content, Cosentino introduced Silestone®XM (X as in the Roman numeral 10, and M for the selection of new minerals in the composition). Currently, one-third of the Silestone® color portfolio is under Silestone®XM, including all new collections brought to the market.

• Less silica in Silestone® helps fabricators better control the exposure to crystalline silica in their workplace and reduce the risk of silicosis when fabricating the product. Like any other building material that has silica (ie. stone, concrete, brick), Silestone® is safe to work with when the proper and established safety requirements are adhered to by fabricators.

• Even though Silestone® is low silica, its high performance remains. The surface’s unique technical and design characteristics allow it to have a high resistance to stains, scratches, and impact making it easy to maintain.

The Silestone Le Chic collection is manufactured with Hybriq+ technology.

As a global leader in innovative surfaces, Cosentino’s commitment to continuously innovate is a mainstay and part of the company’s DNA. Silestone®’s transformation to a low silica mineral surface demonstrates that commitment to ensuring a more sustainable future for the industry and the entire value chain.