Sustainability

Over the years we have been asked about the sustainability of our products and more recently also about our company values. We have compiled this information to assist anyone looking to find out about our company and the brands we represent.

The conversation about sustainability encompasses many layers. While we noticed a decline in questions about sustainability, the topic has now rightly resurfaced. It has become prominent not only in the building industry but also in areas such as transport, fashion, food production, and farming.

Sustainability within the building industry involves numerous aspects such as eco-friendly materials, energy-efficient designs, waste reduction strategies, and product longevity to highlight some areas. There is a growing emphasis on creative solutions like renewing, repurposing, and upcycling, which are now more highly regarded. Recycling through these methods often surpasses traditional re-manufacturing processes for the creation of new products.

Social media platforms and groups like “Buy Nothing” and “Marketplace” have made the adage “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure” more relevant than ever. These platforms help keep many products out of landfills and as the transaction is often localised this offers additional sustainable benefits.

Sustainability Within our Company.

Austaron Surfaces is currently in the process of building a new workplace in Brendale, QLD. This change will enhance our ability to implement and monitor our sustainability initiatives.

  • Over the years, our product portfolio has allowed us to maintain a reasonably small warehousing footprint compared to many surface/product suppliers.
  • The new premises, currently under construction, will be equipped with solar power.
  • As part of our project expectations, we will also source various pre-loved items to complement the fit-out.
  • In our own project design, we have prioritised features such as fully openable windows and better warehouse ventilation, often overlooked in industrial design.
  • We are creating greenspace, benefiting local fauna and flora while also fostering a healthier workplace environment for our team.
  • We are committed to reducing landfill, including food waste through best workplace practices.

Aditionally,

  • We are transitioning our representatives’ cars to more sustainable vehicles as they come up for renewal and have opted into ecoDrive to offset our vehicles’ carbon footprint.
  • We undertake and educate on the potential of upcycling, repurposing, and renewing products, along with waste reduction strategies like reducing, reusing, and recycling.
  • We plan to assess our company’s carbon footprint once settled into our new premises.

We believe that small changes are just as crucial as big ones. For instance, by implementing heat weld fixing tape to secure packaging for transportation, we have eliminated the need for 6,800 metal clips annually. Assessing even the smallest areas collectively can make a significant difference.

Our History & Values.

Since our inception in 2003, Austaron Surfaces has operated out of NSW. As a small family-owned company, we have established a significant presence in the building industry, supplying projects of al sizes across residential & commercial sectors. In 2024 we celebrated our 21st year of business in Australia.

  • Our partner company, Austaron Surfaces NZ, was established in 2021.
  • Austaron Surfaces AU & NZ collaborate for the successful outcome of projects across both countries.
  • Our portfolio of products is represented in Tasmania through Tas Cabinets.
  • We are a small and dedicated team; all contact details can be found on our “Meet the Team” page.
  • Austaron Surfaces offers a flexible and supportive workplace environment.
  • We strive to nurture relationships both within and outside the work environment.
  • We partner with brands that offer exceptional products and actively support sustainability initiatives.

Recognising Environmental and community-based values, Directors Brett and Belinda Worden support “Land for Wildlife” working tirelessly to regenerate and revegetate property protecting Fauna and Flora. In addition, donate time to volunteer in a not-for-profit organisation that supports their local community. They bring these same values to Austaron Surfaces.

The brands Austaron Surfaces partner with all have their own unique sustainability initiatives. Compiled below is a snapshot of each brand, with more information about them available in their “Back Story.” You can also connect directly with our suppliers via their websites.

We hope this information assists your review of Austaron Surfaces. Please feel free to connect with us if you need to discuss any information found on our website or our upcoming changes and initiatives.

To assist in expediting research, relevant links can be found within each brand’s information located below their content.

Sustainability Across our Brands.

Staron Solid Surfaces

LOTTE Snapshot:

Staron is manufactured by LOTTE Chemical. In 2023, LOTTE signed up for the Global Initiative RE100 as one of 20 strategic tasks to achieve their Green Promise 2030.

LOTTE aims to increase its use of renewable energy, including solar and wind power, to 60% at all its domestic and overseas business sites by 2030.

By 2050, they plan to convert their energy usage to 100% renewable energy through the introduction of fuel cells and power generation facilities using green hydrogen.

 

About Climate Group RE100:

About us | RE100 (there100.org)

LOTTE Chemical produces a wide range of plastic items for various uses. Their products are commonly found in homes, offices and transportation, and are essential for mobile phones, computers, and a vast array of electrical and non-electrical items.

 

Sustainability Initiatives:

  • Expanding green products via mechanical and chemical recycling.
  • Collecting marine plastic for recycling. Implementing Project Loop for recycling various plastics.
  • Launching the eco-friendly material brand, Ecoseed.
  • Using sugarcane for manufacturing Bio-PET plastic.
  • Use in-house production waste associated with manufacturing Staron and Radiance, by incorporating it back into the range.

LOTTE Chemical is committed to continuing the expansion of its eco-friendly product line.

 

More About Staron:

Developed in 1992, Staron is manufactured from refined bauxite, a safe silica-free mineral, and blended with 100% pure acrylic resin. This combination results in a high-performing and safe Solid Surface.

Staron has a long life expectancy within projects; the ability to renew and repair means it should not be considered a short-term “throwaway” item. In addition, at a project’s “end-of-life” Staron can be salvaged and re-designed to create new applications or artistic items, much like repurposing timber. An old kitchen benchtop can become a new outdoor kitchen, laundry benches, furniture, craft items and more. This sustainable and adaptable nature positions Staron as a conscientious choice, aligning with contemporary environmental values while providing enduring functionality. Programs overseas have used solid surface waste as aggregate for landscaping and as additives for road bases. This is an area of interest to us that we will investigate within local building waste initiatives.

 

Austaron Surfaces Initiative for Encouraging Upcycling of Reclaimed Staron Applications

The Staron fabrication manual is available on our Staron Technical page.  The manual provides comprehensive guidance for anyone looking to upcycle reclaimed materials. To support this initiative, we offer specialty adhesives for purchase outside our customer base, facilitating the DIY fabrication of a reclaimed countertop.

For fabrication of upcycled applications that require Staron adhesive, project details are to be lodged with us and kept on file; please note these projects will not be covered by warranty. Alternatively, a Staron fabricator can assist with upcycling projects.

Contact marketing@austaron.com.au for the necessary paperwork and requirements to qualify for the purchase of adhesive for upcycling applications.

 

Additional Considerations

Unlike Stone products, Solid Surface materials occupy a significantly smaller warehouse footprint and can be dispatched from a single dedicated point, reducing the need for multiple warehouse sites. The ability to flat-pack Solid Surfaces allows for efficient shipping, as more products can fit within a single shipping container, thereby minimising the need for heavy and cumbersome transport.

Derived from bauxite, the mineral within Solid Surfaces is used in many products, Aluminium Trihydrate (ATH) is most known for producing Aluminium metal. Staron is one of the many products that originate from bauxite.

 

 To find out more visit: Lottechem.com | Staron Quick Links

Mario Romano Walls

MR Walls by Mario Romano is a design process applied to Staron Solid Surfaces.

Rather than receiving manufactured products from Mario Romano, we craft all panels locally from our stocked Staron Solid Surfaces.

This supports Australian and New Zealand manufacturing and reduces the need for transporting these custom decorative products from abroad, eliminating the extra costs and logistics of stocking, freight, and warehousing custom panels.

 

Mario Romano, an innovative designer, and builder based in Santa Monica, is passionate about digital design and the fabrication of Solid Surfaces. Through his extensive expertise, Mario and his team have perfected the art of creating artistic, computer-generated designs that integrate beautifully with Solid Surface.

 

MR Walls design files are connected to automated routing technology. Each design is sent via email and forwarded to our local processors. Using parametric computing and CNC machining technology, these designs transform into three-dimensional Staron Solid Surfaces panels.

This innovative technology produces visually and tactilely engaging surfaces for walls, joinery, signage, and lighting design. The durability of Staron makes it suitable for applications in both interior and exterior spaces. With Solid Surfaces as the foundation to carve the designs into, there is no need for painting or sealing. All designs are customised for a perfect fit specific to each application, minimising unnecessary building waste.

 

To find out more visit: mrwalls.io | Mario Romano Quick Links

Acrylic Couture

Hand-crafted using the highest quality acrylic to maximise product lifespan.

Made in Italy, Acrylic Couture panels are predominantly crafted project specifically. Assisting to mitigate long lead times for manufacture and shipping, we do hold a small amount of stock to assist with projects in Australia and New Zealand.

 

All ingredients in Acrylic Couture panels are neither carcinogenic nor mutagenic and thus non-hazardous to health. It does not contain any substances/chemicals, that are listed on the dangerous R.E.A.C.H. and SVHC-regulation, the acrylic is manufactured without the use of any plasticiser, particularly with no phthalates.

Acrylic Couture is silicone-free and eco-friendly, as panels are produced in a low, energy-consuming way and are recyclable.

We consider Acrylic Couture works of art and Austaron Surfaces will accept back any product should it not be able to be reused or upcycled at a project’s end of life.

 

Based in Germany, Acrylic Couture® is a very boutique company created by Oliver Raatz and Nicole Seidel. Passionate about producing the best of the best, specialty fabrics and inlays of the highest quality are sourced and captured within the highest quality acrylic resin. Partnering with Antonio Di Gregorio, Antonio brings their vision to reality.

 To find out more visit: acryliccouture.com | Acrylic Couture Quick Links

Organoid Natural Surfaces

Organoid is both a Carbon-neutral company & a Product-certified Climate Partner.

Using only natural and locally sourced raw materials, the Organoid factory is in the Tyrol, in the heart of the Austrian Alps. The factory prioritises ecological and sustainable manufacturing, starting with the use of 100% green electricity and ending with biological binders that are free of biocides, plasticizers, and solvents.

 

Organoid® Technologies GmbH is a prosperous and innovative company from Austria/Europe. The company’s philosophy is to produce natural surfaces in an eco-friendly and sustainable way. Organoid surfaces are practically emission-free, allergy-tested, ecological, harmless to health, and climate regulating and are produced in Tyrol, Austria in a climate-positive manner.

 

Organoid is working to mitigate global warming and fulfil the Paris Climate Agreement as well as the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

For their products and trade, they have set the following 9 challenges as their sustainability goals:

  • Good health and well-being
  • Gender equality
  • Good jobs and economic growth
  • Innovation and Infrastructure
  • Sustainable consumption and production
  • Climate action
  • Life in rural areas
  • Peace, justice, and strong institutions
  • Partnerships for the goals

 

Organoid incorporates natural materials into surfaces, translating elements of nature into design features. Supporting biophilic design, Organoid brings nature indoors, where people spend most of their time. The natural surfaces have a calming effect with their look, feel, and fragrance, adding a natural experience to any room. Organoid Surfaces can also help to:

  • Positively impact health
  • Reduce stress and lighten the mood
  • Support focus and performance
  • Improve the atmosphere

 

 To find out more visit: organoids.com | Organoid Quick Links

Kaynemaile Architectural Mesh

A new era in building materials: RE/8™ Bio-circular Architectural mesh by Kaynemaile®.

Kaynemaile recently introduced RE/8, a cutting-edge building material assisting sustainability in the built environment. Crafted from bio-circular polycarbonate, this mesh represents a breakthrough in eco-conscious construction. Created using a nil waste process, it can be recycled or repurposed at the end of a project’s life.

 

Manufactured in New Zealand, Kaynemaile RE/8 bio-circular architectural mesh is made with Makrolon RE. This new polymer contains 88% biomass content and is part of the Makrolon RE series from Covestro. Since 2003, Kaynemaile has been dedicated to producing the highest quality products with the lowest environmental impact through low-impact, zero-waste, and recyclable processes.

The manufacturing facilities run on 100% certified renewable energy. As the mesh is made from a single-chain polymer, it can be effectively cleaned back to its original state using the same process that produced it. This includes all colours, that are inorganic and can be stripped out using low-energy processes, then fed back in to produce new virgin materials.

 

RE/8 Mesh won both the ‘Sustainable Design’ and ‘Building Envelopes, Cladding & Roofing’ categories for the 2024 Architizer A+ Product Awards. RE/8 mesh also contributes to sustainable design due to its solar protection benefits. The mesh provides up to 70% solar protection, does not retain heat, and offers excellent airflow properties, helping to keep buildings cooler.

 

To find out more visit: Kaynemaile.com | Kaynemaile Quick Links

Sustainable Practices.

Education plays a crucial role in minimising building waste, a significant environmental issue in the construction and demolition sectors. By raising awareness and providing information on Staron Solid Surface’s second-life capabilities, stakeholders can be better equipped to make environmentally friendly decisions. This approach supports the extended lifecycle of a building that has used Staron Solid Surfaces, particularly during de-fits and renovations.

Applications for Reuse.

JOINERY:

Consider refurbishing or modifying Staron Solid Surfaces, and upcycling joinery for other applications within the fit-out. Alternatively, assess the potential for installing or recreating countertops in other renovated spaces.

FURNITURE:

Pieces can be cut and reshaped to create custom furniture items like tables, seating, desks, and shelving units.

DECORATIVE ELEMENTS:

Smaller pieces can be used for decorative items, grazing platters, planter boxes or signage.

A Staron Case Study.

The Many lives of Staron.

First built in 2008, this granny flat features a small kitchen with a Staron Tempest Horizon benchtop. Initially constructed on a budget, the kitchen had basic white tiles as a splashback.

In 2022, the building was affected by water damage during the February wet weather event in Southeast Queensland.


A Summary of the Subsequent Renovation Process.

  • In 2022, the kitchen was de-fitted, and the Staron benchtop was removed and stored on-site until the new kitchen could be built in 2023.
  • Originally, the laundry area only had a free-standing washtub. During the refurbishment, a proper laundry was constructed. As the kitchen and laundry are located near each other, Staron Tempest Horizon, still a stocked colour, was selected for both areas to ensure a cohesive look.
  • Taking advantage of Staron’s seamless joining capabilities, the laundry bench was designed with an integrated splashback, allowing it to be installed as a single, seamless piece.
  • Due to the ease of cleaning and the visual appeal of the laundry bench and splashback, the original 14-year-old Staron kitchen benchtop received a new splashback to match the laundry.

This project is a testament to the longevity and durability of Staron. It also demonstrates how easily the original benchtop could be modified. With the bench and splashback on separate planes, any slight colour variations between batches are imperceptible.

After re-sanding, the 15-year-old benchtop looks as good as the day it was first installed. The benchtop will continue to perform for many more years, showcasing the benefits of using Staron Solid Surfaces.

Contact us & let's start creating

Need more information or have a project you would like to discuss? Our team is looking forward to your enquiry.