Q: ColorQuartz is made in China. Given the questionable track record of some manufacturing practices there, why would I want to choose ColorQuartz?

A: True, ColorQuartz is made in China, and this is a very valid question. We’re happy to help shed some light on the company’s pollution control practices as well as other details about how ColorQuartz strives to reduce the product’s carbon footprint.

ColorQuartz in Paloma White; photo via ColorQuartz

First off, ColorQuartz is headquartered in the United States. Similar to Apple—who designs the iPhone in California, but actually produces them all in China— ColorQuartz strives to maintain the highest standards of quality and conscientious production possible. ColorQuartz has also been officially certified by UL Environment for Greenguard and Greenguard Gold compliance. What does this mean? Basically…

• The Greenguard Certification Program verifies that ColorQuartz meets strict chemical emissions limits, helping to contribute to the creation of a healthier environment.

• A step above Greenguard Certificaiton, Greenguard Gold Certification means that ColorQuartz has met even stricter certification criteria which considers safety factors to account for sensitive individuals, such as children and the elderly. It verifies that ColorQuartz may be safely used in schools and healthcare facilities.

Additionally, ColorQuartz is produced in Shanghai, a top-tier Chinese city where they are expected to maintain very high standards regarding environmental regulations. Those companies which cannot keep up with the higher standards expected in Shanghai usually end up moving to inner provinces or even to production facilities in Vietnam or India—which actually have a much worse track record for pollution control.

We have visited several Quartz factories throughout the world, including Europe, Israel, and China. Everywhere we went, the process was basically the same for all quartz products. The quartz is imported from another country (with the major producers being Turkey, India, and China.) Then the quartz is crushed into different size grains and mixed with the polyester resin and pigments. Once it’s all mixed, the slab is vibrated, compressed, and cooked. Once it’s finished this part of the process, it is calibrated and polished like any other stone. For this process, a lot of energy is needed. It could be fossil fuel-based or nuclear. In China, just as in the U.S., it’s fossil fuel-based. In Europe, nuclear energy is available, and I believe that the factories in Spain use this source of energy. Water is also needed for the polishing process, which is recycled back in the production. Transportation is via container by sea, train, and/or trucking. Products made in the USA have the advantage of being produced closer than Israel and China, but the disadvantage is that they have to import the raw quartz materials. Basically, the carbon footprint impact of any quartz product is very similar.

With respect to ColorQuartz, the company is very strict in pollution control. They follow a 7-step NSF compliance, which includes annual plant inspections. Their Greenguard certification helps buyers confirm that ColorQuartz products have low chemical emissions, improving the quality of the air where the products are used, they incorporate recycled materials such as glass, mirrors and quartz into the production process, and they adhere to a strict code of ethics and workplace safety, complying with all laws and regulations to maintain the very highest standards.

Want to know more about ColorQuartz, their production facilities, processes, and procedures? We’d be glad to tell you more as well as show you samples of this high-quality product in either of our two area showrooms. Give us a call at 877-39-STONE to learn more.