Richlite: Paper-Based Countertops

Phenolic resin is one of the most toxic resins known during the manufacturing process. Sure it is inert after manufacture, but it is also non-recyclable. At best it could be ground up and used as filler in something, which is severe downcycling.

This should not be called a green product. This is extreme greenwashing.

My wife and I justt installed 1 1/2" black Richlite counters in our home and they're great. Here's an informal review:

It is difficult, but they do scratch. However, maintenance is a breeze. Any fine grit sandpaper or scotchbrite pad removes scratches, you simply re-oil with a food safe oil and they're back to new. What I most love about these counters are the matte finish, they're just beautiful. We considered concrete, fireslate, and some other sustainable materials but opted for the simplicity of locally-produced Richlite.

To Ruben: Point taken on the toxicity issue, I've added a note to the post.

In my assessment, the greenest countertops materials are: local certified wood (butcherblock, etc.), tile, glass or recycled material composites.

Stainless steel is up there as well. It lasts virtually forever, doesn't outgas, has low transportation costs (due to the way stainless steel is shipped in huge coils to local markets). Granted, it uses considerable energy in production, but because it is a thin material that energy provides a large square footage of countertop. And because it is one of the most valuable metals recyclers get top dollar for it, so it is nearly always recycled (unlike tile or wood, or other composite materials).

Another product which to my mind is only trying to project a green image . What is the point of creating a material which uses toxic compounds which also render it non biodegradable . The best way to reuse paper would be , surprise surprise , more paper and the wood that you did not cut for the paper can be used for the kkitchen counter .

i am installing richlite into my new kitchen. the reaason for a new kitchen is that i am converting and existing warehouse into a live/work artist studio. it will have solar electric and hot water. it also will not waste the materials of new construction. i understand that this material is not recyclable...but it is very reusable..which is better than the energy used to recycle materials. upon reading all the posts so far, i am still happy with my decision to go with richlite. i am going with cement countertop in the bathroom. stainless was too expensive.

Richlite no longer uses FSC certified paper in their products. If they were truly doing so, or using recycled paper, I would feel a lot better about this product.

another perspective might see that a benefit of richlite or paperstone type countertopd is that they are both extremely durable and easy to refurbish.

in many ways, a good countertop should be rather like a solidly built tool. like a handy bench chisel, you just sharpen it when it dulls. it's never about throwing away a chisel and buying a new one, you just hone the tool.

a durable counter is an extremely useful tool, especially one that stays flat and inert and can be repaired and reshaped. in some cases, this would be downcycling, true. but if the countertop was designed as a convenient size (say 2'-0" x 6'-0") it could be used over and over again without being modified, just refurbished a bit and installed. alternately, it could be reshaped to become shelves or a bench seat; there are lots of possibilities. it would really be profligate waste to casually dispose of such a useful tool, so one could argue that no one would throw away a countertop like this--like stainless steel, it's just too valuable.

it's the durability of the panel that is the most impressive asset and gives the material its value. richlite may not be the 'greenest' countertop, but it isn't the worst choice that could be made.

I work for a company that is a certified richlite fabricator, this stuff is awefull, its not durable, it chips very easily, has inconsistent color and is not solid surface like the manufacturer claims (dont believe me, sand it for a few minutes and find out) only uses a little fsc material, the seams look terrible and are very weak, i would not recommend this product for countertops to anyone.

My company has been a Richlite fabricator for over 7 years -this is our most popular countertop, and our customers love it. Regarding the previous post - if you are having this may problems you are not fabricating it appropriately. Unless dropped on it's edge,the material does not chip, and our seams are very strong! Richlite is a good product that is durable,and unlike Paperstone, they work hard to make accurate claims about their product. They have switched to all FSC paper, with one option that is 50% recycled cardboard. We love them!