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As you will be aware, the Federal Government has banned the supply, distribution and fabrication of engineered stone. However, Smartstone will offer a new surface solution that will see the brand continue its 21-years of innovation in manufactured stone aesthetics, performance and capabilities: the Smartstone Sintered Collection.
“Whilst we understand that this ban will cause major disruption to many parts of the industry, we are well prepared to provide our trade partners and customers with a genuine, long-term solution that is compliant with government legislation,” said Smartstone Managing Director Belinda Kelaher.
Smartstone will soon launch its new range of 24 sintered stone surfaces that meet the new government requirements. This exceptional collection extends renowned Smartstone beauty, durability, affordability and sustainability beyond interiors to both indoor and outdoor applications.
The Sintered Collection will be available in Smartstone warehouses nationally from February 2024, with the official launch set for March 2024.
Until July 1, 2024, or while stocks last, Smartstone will continue to sell its low silica NewGen range to meet the needs of existing specifications and continuously work with partners to transition specifications that do not meet the required deadlines for the new sintered surface.
Smartstone will continue to communicate with all market segments to share details of the new Sintered Collection, and work with trade partners and customers on how they can efficiently transition to the new products and offer ongoing innovative solutions to end consumers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Know the answers from Smartstone regarding the government ban of engineered stone.
Q: As the owner of a Smartstone engineered stone benchtop, does this surface pose a safety risk?
A: No. Installed engineered stone is a completely safe material; issues surrounding the product are caused by unsafe practices during the fabrication process.
Q: Are the comparisons between engineered stone and asbestos true or false?
A: False. Unlike asbestos, engineered stone may be harmful only during the fabrication process. Diseases related to silica dust can develop as a result of unprotected and continued exposure to silica dust when the correct processes or protection is not used.
Q: When will the ban on engineered stone be enforced?
A: Based on the Work Health and Safety And Workplace Relations Ministers’ Meeting held on 13 December 2023, the ministers “unanimously agreed to prohibit the use, supply and manufacture of all engineered stone with the majority of jurisdictions to commence the prohibition from 1 July 2024”.
Q: Will I still be able to purchase Smartstone engineered stone surfaces until that date?
A: Yes. Smartstone will continue to sell and clear stock until the prohibition date or when we run out, whichever comes first.
Q: Does Smartstone have a surface alternative to replace engineered stone products?
A: Yes. Smartstone will launch a new collection called sintered stone early in 2024. Smartstone’s Sintered Collection does not fall within the definition of engineered stone for the purpose of the prohibition, offering an immediate alternative and viable option to our customers. Made from natural minerals with no quartz, no resins and no metals, sintered surfaces meet all government requirements, offering an attractive alternative.
Smartstone will continue to be the trusted ‘benchmark in stone’ – as we have for the past 21 years –ensuring our ongoing commitment to product quality and innovation, as well as to industry and environmental responsibility.
Q: How does sintered stone differ from engineered stone?
A: Unlike engineered stone, sintered stone is a natural material which is formed by heat and contains no quartz and resins as binders. In a similar process to porcelain manufacture, materials are fused using high temperatures and extreme pressure, creating an incredibly compact and durable surface material.
Q: When will the Smartstone sintered stone collection be available?
A: The launch date is scheduled for March 2024. Stock will be available from February 2024.
Q: Will the sintered stone collection offer the same aesthetic and properties as Smartstone engineered stone ranges?
A: No. Smartstone’s Sintered Collection offers superior durability for both interior and exterior applications. Sintered Collection uses advanced print technology to deliver precise recreations of prized natural stone styles unlike traditional quartz surfaces which are primarily made using aggregate of varying sizes. Therefore while some patterns may be similar there are no direct substitutes for the current quartz collection.The new collection will come in the same jumbo slab size and come with a 15-year Limited Warranty. Like all our products, surfaces in the new Smartstone range are tested for durability and non-porous properties, as well as resistance to staining, chipping, heat, chemicals and scratching. All surfaces are also certified food safe by NSF/ANSI Std. 51 (National Sanitation Foundation – Food Equipment Materials).
Q: As a stonemason, can I fabricate the new collection of sintered stone in the same way as engineered stone?
A: No. There are new techniques that will need to be introduced. The Smartstone team will work closely with you on implementing the sintered stone fabrication process as seamlessly as possible.
Q: Is the 15-year Limited Warranty still valid on existing Smartstone engineered stone surfaces?
A: Yes. Smartstone will continue to fulfil warranties on existing Smartstone engineered stone surfaces.(Please note that the warranty covers manufacture defects and does not include damage during the installation of the product, or after the product has been installed.)
Q: Will Smartstone continue to offer support with existing engineered stone surfaces?
A: Yes. Smartstone will offer ongoing assistance should any future issues arise with your Smartstone engineered stone surface.
Q: Will Smartstone continue to offer after-sales care for existing engineered stone surfaces?
A: Yes. Smartstone will offer ongoing assistance should any future issues arise with your Smartstone engineered stone surface.
Q: I hold stock of Smartstone engineered stone in my factory or showroom. How can I dispose of my existing stock?
A: At the meeting held on 13 December, ministers “agreed that arrangements for working with legacy products, such as removal, modification, repair work, and disposal, be managed by jurisdictions on the basis of a national framework developed by Safe Work Australia, to be provided to Ministers by the end of February 2024.”
Q: As a home builder/developer/kitchen retailer, am I still permitted to display Smartstone engineered stone products and distribute samples?
A: At the meeting held on 13 December, ministers “agreed that arrangements for working with legacy products, such as removal, modification, repair work, and disposal, be managed by jurisdictions on the basis of a national framework developed by Safe Work Australia, to be provided to Ministers by the end of February 2024.”Smartstone will work with customers to transition displays and samples to the new Sintered Collection.
Q: As a home builder, what will happen to our alliance agreement with Smartstone?
A: Smartstone will work with builders and developers to manage stock requirements for specified Smartstone products. We will work with our clients to offer the new collection on alliance agreements with similar conditions.
Q: I am a developer/designer/architect and have specified Smartstone engineered stone in upcoming projects. What happens to all my specifications?
A: Depending on the timing granted to phase out the product, we will provide materials for as long as we are permitted and depending on our existing supply. In the case of stock not being available we will offer suitable alternatives in either the quartz range or Sintered Collection.
Q: Who should I contact to discuss my current and future options with Smartstone?
A: Rest assured we are here to support you as much as possible during this challenging time. Please contact your account manager in the first instance or the Smartstone state manager for any other concerns.
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