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KTS BLOG |
What's New at Kate-Lo Tile and Stone
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Is it 'green' or greenwashing?
Greenwashing is a term that has been used for over twenty years to deceive consumers into thinking a product is more 'environmentally friendly' than what it really is or what a company's environmental practices really are. Tile is indisputably 'green' in nature, because it is made from minerals, stones and clays from the earth, however, greenwashing still runs rampant through the tile industry. While there have been many successes in the tile industry, environmental claims have been over stated. The most common forms of greenwashing in the tile industry are:
* Inflated recycled content claims without proof. * Inaccurate information about the manufacturing process. * Claims that products are LEED approved or recycled without independant certification. It's important to understand projects, not products, are LEED certified. You need to ask critical questions to ascertain the true eco value of the material. * Most importantly, is the product independently certified by a third party? * What is the origin of the raw materials in the tile? * Does the manufacturer use renewable energy sources? What are their conservation practices? * What air quality emissions are produced in the manufacture of the tile? Does it have VOCs? * Do they reclaim any waste material? * What is the actual recycled content percentage? Is it post-industrial or post-consumer? * Where is the tile produced and how far does it travel to get to its final installation destination? Third party verification is the most transparent way to prove a tile's 'green-ness.' These are companies such as Greenguard, Veritas, Greenseal and Scientific Certification Systems. Aside from providing a contribution to the quality of life, verification assures that products are made with resources that have been carefully managed, gives you the personal knowledge that you're doing the right thing. It is important to understand that green building projects have direct & indirect liability based on product selection and without diligence the project certification can be compromised. With all the certified eco-friendly products offered at Kate-Lo Tile & Stone, there is no need to compromise your project's integrity with products that are questionable. Call your sales rep today to find out more about these products. Labels: ceramic tile, environment, environmentally friendly, green, green building, greenwashing, recycled ¶ 1:50 PM Links to this post 
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Color Blox EC from Crossville
 Featuring the most popular colors from Crossville's most popular series, Color Blox EC has a recycled content of 20 percent. Large format sizes, rectified edges and plank shapes make Color Blox EC the ideal green design solution. Labels: ceramic tile, crossville, green, porcelain, recycled ¶ 9:38 AM Links to this post
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Kate-Lo introduces Echo Glass by Crossville
 Crafted by artisans using centuries-old techniques, Echo Recycled Glass captures, refracts, and bends light in a manner reminiscent of sunlight playing on water. Its luminous color palette comprises 15 luxuriant shades created by Barbara Schirmeister, one of the industry’s most esteemed color experts.With a recycled content of 10 to 100 percent, depending on color, Echo Recycled Glass, is an exquisite addition to Crossville’s collection of third-party certified recycled products, which include EcoCycle and Color Blox EC. Used alone or in conjunction with Crossville’s other recycled products, Echo Recycled Glass is a beautifully green alternative. Coming soon to a Kate-Lo Tile & Stone showroom near you! Labels: certification, glass, glass tile, green building, leed, mosaic, recycled, recycled glass tile, third party ¶ 3:35 PM Links to this post
Friday, August 22, 2008
TREND Q - Recycled Stone Agglomerate - Ecological, Functional & Beautiful
 Kate-Lo Tile & Stone is pleased to offer a new line of recycled stone and glass agglomerate called Q. Produced by Trend USA, Q, is scratch, heat, stain and water resistant and is strong enough for any surface application for both residential and commercial use. Inspired by the calm beauty found in nature the new colors are evocative of organic hues ranging from the robin's egg blue, to stalks of wheat and mustard blossoms. The collection of 49 Trend Q colors contain up to 72% post consumer recycled content integrated with glass from recycled beer, gin, and water bottles, copper infused Aventurina and mother of pearl to add sparkle and depth. Trend Q, available from 12" tiles to custom size panels, works on any surface-floors, countertops, walls, even furniture. The flexible 1/4" thin material makes it a perfect choice for remodeling, as it can be installed over existing surfaces making demolition and waste obsolete. Manufactured in the United States, Trend Q is designed to offer an ecologically conscious product with the critical characteristics necessary to contribute to LEED certification. For more information about Trend Q please call #1.866.508.7363 or visit http://www.trendgroup-usa.com/ Labels: agglomerate, certification, ecological, glass, leed, post consumer, q, recycled, stone, third party, trend ¶ 10:06 AM Links to this post
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Kate-Lo introduces Green Tech from Ergon
 Kate-Lo Tile & Stone is please to announce the addition of Ergon's new line of porcelain tile called Green Tech. Made from 40% post-industrial recycled material, this product has been independantly certified and contributes to satisfying MR 4.1 & MR 4.2 LEED Green Building rating system. As with all Ergon products, this series features their consistent high-quality and an unsurpassed beauty. Please contact your sales rep at Kate-Lo Tile & Stone for more information. Labels: ceramic tile, certification, ergon, green, green building, greentech, leed, porcelain, post industrial, pre consumer, recycled, third party ¶ 3:07 PM Links to this post
Keep updated on the latest happenings in the stone and tile industry with Kate-Lo Tile & Stone.
About Me
Kate-Lo Tile & Stone is the leading wholesale tile and stone distributor in the Upper Midwest. Servicing contractors, dealers and their customers is our emphasis by providing one of the largest stocking inventories and design assistance in the Metro. Kate-Lo Tile & Stone specializes in import porcelain, ceramic, stone and glass tile, as well as in-floor heating systems and unique accessories from around the world. Our showrooms provide a comfortable environment for your customer to make their selections. Archives
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Plymouth, MN: (763) 450-3636 * Burnsville, MN: (952) 890-4324 * Oakdale, MN: (651) 730-1975 * Des Moines, IA: (515) 270-4920 * Omaha, NE: (402) 614-9010 Outlet Center - Plymouth, MN: (763) 417-3807 * Minnesota Headquarters: (763) 545-5455 Copyright © 2009 Kate-Lo Tile & Stone |
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