Environmentally friendly and worker-safe Caesarstone alternatives.
In 2024, the Australian Government made important changes to how engineered stone products, commonly used in benchtops and splashbacks, can be manufactured, processed and installed. This decision was made to mitigate the health risks posed by respirable crystalline silica generated during engineered stone processing, which has been linked to silicosis, a severe lung disease.
The industry responded quickly, and companies like Caesarstone, YDL Stone and Smartstone implemented immediate changes to their production processes and safety protocols to overcome any health risks to workers and users.
Now, an exciting and extensive range of environmentally friendly engineered stone is available, free from crystalline silica. This allows our customers to enjoy the timeless appeal, durability, and resilience of stone with complete confidence and peace of mind.
If you have any questions about the new generation of engineered stone, don’t hesitate to contact us directly for advice.
Recent project: Smartstone benchtops and splashbacks installed in a Freshwater home »
What is Caesarstone and engineered stone?
Engineered stone is a man-made composite material that is typically used in benchtops and splash-backs. Unlike natural stone, which is quarried directly from the earth, engineered stone is manufactured by combining crushed stone (often quartz) with resin and pigments to create a durable, versatile, and consistent material.
Engineered stone is highly resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, though not completely heat-proof. Its non-porous nature makes it resistant to bacterial growth, making it a hygienic choice for kitchens and bathrooms.
Note: “Caesarstone” is a brand name commonly used by customers to refer to engineered stone in general (similar to how “Band-Aid” is used for adhesive bandages). However, there are many other brands that produce engineered stone. We frequently source our engineered stone products from Smartstone, a family-owned Australian company.
Changes to laws regarding engineered stone benchtop laws in Australia
On 1st July 2024, the manufacture, supply, processing, and installation of engineered stone benchtops, panels, and slabs was prohibited in Australia. The decision was made in an attempt to mitigate the unacceptable health risks posed by respirable crystalline silica generated during the processing of engineered stone which has been linked to silicosis, a severe lung disease.
On 1st September 2024, amendments to the model WHS Regulations were enacted to strengthen the regulation of work involving materials containing at least 1% crystalline silica, including engineered stone. The ban allows for limited work with existing (legacy) engineered stone, such as removal, repair, minor modifications, or disposal of installed products.
Persons conducting a business or undertaking in these practices must notify the Work Health and Safety regulator before undertaking such work and ensure that any processing is controlled to minimise silica dust exposure. WHS regulators may grant exemptions for specific types of engineered stone if they are satisfied that the exemption will maintain an equivalent standard of health and safety. Applications for exemptions must demonstrate that the proposed work will not compromise worker safety.
These measures reflect Australia’s commitment to safeguarding workers from the health hazards associated with silica exposure, particularly in industries involving engineered stone products.
What are safe engineered stone benchtop and Caesarstone alternatives?
In response to health concerns associated with engineered stone benchtops, particularly the risk of silicosis from silica dust exposure, Australian smart stone producers quickly implemented changes to enhance safety and comply with the new regulations.
Australian-owned company, Smartstone’s old engineered benchtop ranges were replaced with a new Sintered Collection in March 2024. This innovative surface solution offers the same stylish aesthetics, durable performance and design capabilities as older products making it a successful alternative to engineered stone and marble benchtops. Made using a “sintering” process similar to traditional porcelain products, Smartstone’s Sintered Collection offers a more refined aesthetic and exceptional performance.
Being a porcelain product, the Sintered Collection is excluded from the definition of ‘engineered stone’ under WorkSafe guidelines, making it fully compliant with the Australian Government legislation.
If you have any questions about Smartstone’s range, don’t hesitate to contact us directly for assistance.