Lapitec Patents “Silica-Free” Sintered Stone
In response to the new health regulations in place in many countries around the world, Lapitec has patented a mineral formula for a material that is entirely free of crystalline silica.
While some countries still allow certain amounts of silica exposure, others — such as the United States and Australia — have already introduced strict regulations prohibiting the use of crystalline silica in all materials, making this one of the most widely discussed topics in the construction and architecture spheres in recent months. Inhalation of dust containing crystalline silica, which is naturally present in all clay, granite, quartz and sandstone, can cause silicosis and other chronic respiratory diseases.
In 2021 Lapitec committed to eliminating crystalline silica from its product range, and in 2022 it is now officially silica-free. The Italian company had already begun the process with the colors Bianco Assoluto, Nero Assoluto and the Musa collection, and can now add the remainder of the range. Composed of a mixture of 100 percent natural minerals and already free of resins, digital prints and other petroleum derivatives, the Lapitec family of surfaces has now achieved an additional objective in terms of sustainability and safety, without sacrificing any of its performance characteristics.
“We have been experimenting for a long time, and have invested significant resources over the past decade to achieve this outstanding result, which we are very proud of” commented Marcello Toncelli, the third generation of the family at the helm of the company. “Using natural minerals, we have found a way to synthesize a new mineral that we have called Biorite®. A Lapitec exclusive that, together with the other components of the mixture, makes the material completely ‘silica-free’ and safe for fabricators, installers and anyone mechanically processing the material, starting with our own workers.”
Biorite® joins the list of inventions registered by Lapitec which, thanks to the advanced technologies of the parent company, Breton S.p.A., boasts more than 25 patents. These advances make sintered stone a unique material, resistant to sudden changes in temperature, frost and high temperatures, impacts and scratches, and equally suitable for indoor and outdoor use thanks to its pore-free surface and “full body” composition, without the use of digital prints.
And so this new year brings another milestone: “Before the invention of Biorite®, only a few colors in the collection had zero crystalline silica. But today we are able to extend this feature to our entire range. Ours is above all a natural and sustainable product, which cares for people and the planet.”
Marcello concluded. “The ability to create certain raw materials internally also makes us more autonomous, allowing the company to respond to the current shortage of raw materials that is paralyzing the global market.”
Lapitec is made from a mixture of natural minerals which is first melted at 1,580°C, and then subjected to a patented vacuum vibro-compression technology. It is available in large slabs and combines the best qualities and benefits of ceramics, porcelain stoneware, quartz, marble and granite. Lapitec is a “full body” material: the exterior and interior are identical, without enamel and digital printing on the surface. This feature allows Lapitec to be machined across its full thickness while ensuring consistent appearance and performance. It is also easy to work with and is used in architecture, interior design and product design. Free of porosity, it is resistant to heat and frost, UV rays and scratches. It is non-absorbent and is resistant to dirt, mold and bacteria. Lapitec also stands the test of time and is not susceptible to atmospheric and domestic agents. Cleaning does not reveal any degeneration. The original appearance is maintained.
Lapitec was founded in Veneto, Italy in 1989 from an entrepreneurial idea of Marcello Toncelli. After more than 20 years of scientific research, testing and certifications, Lapitec is now marketed in over 70 countries worldwide. Lapitec is 100 Percent Made in Italy and has a sustainable focus, as regards both the raw materials used and the stages of the production process.
The technological partnership with parent company Breton, a world leader in the production of plants for machining stone materials and natural agglomerates, guarantees the reliability of the production chain, creating a product with unique performance qualities.
Lapitec is currently used all over the world for architectural, interior and product design projects, in facades, floors, swimming pools, kitchens, bathrooms, decor, yachts and much more. For more information about Lapitec and its applications, visit www.lapitec.com .