Architype for the environment: materials that are kind to the planet

Environmental awareness is constantly growing, and with it our expectations of the products we use every day – including in interior design – are changing. More and more people are paying attention not only to the appearance and durability of materials, but also to their impact on the environment. Is it possible to combine high quality, aesthetics and ecological responsibility?

Architype shows that it is possible. The materials offered – from large ceramic slabs to quartz surfaces and acrylic solid surfaces – are not only design-oriented and durable, but also created with the planet in mind. What solutions make them more ecological? You can read about it in our article.

Environmental awareness starts at the production stage – choosing the right raw materials and technologies reduces the impact on the environment. Architype materials are a perfect example of how modern design can go hand in hand with a responsible approach to nature. Learn about the solutions we use to make our products safe for the planet.

Standard HPL laminates often contain phenol, which can have a negative impact on the environment and the health of users. HPL Puricelli is a phenol-free alternative – instead, it uses proprietary, safe thermosetting resins, and the entire product is made of ecological materials. This laminate is made by pressing several or more layers of core paper impregnated with resin under high pressure and temperature, which ensures its durability and uniform structure, eliminating the risk of delamination. In addition, the outer layer is coated with a protective layer that prevents fading and shields the surface from mechanical damage. HPL Puricelli is also a material that follows the principles of sustainable production. The plants where the slabs are produced meet the requirements of ISO 14001:2004, and the production, packaging and shipping processes have been optimised to minimise their environmental impact. What's more, the waste generated during processing can be shredded and reused as a filler in concrete mixes for foundations. The way in which the material is disposed of is also an environmentally friendly solution – specialised plants can incinerate HPL waste at a temperature of 700°C (in just 4 minutes!), transforming it into carbon dioxide, water vapour and small amounts of nitrogen oxides. This means that Puricelli HPL not only eliminates harmful substances from the production process, but also reduces the amount of waste going to landfill.

Quartz surface is a material whose main component is natural quartz, which makes up 93 to 95% of its composition. This raw material, which comes in the form of fine sand or granules, gives the material high strength and durability. The binder that connects the components is polyester resin (4-6%), which effectively binds the minerals and ensures their proper performance. The material contains pigments based on titanium oxide, thanks to which a wide range of colours is achieved - both realistically imitating natural stone and completely unique, not available in nature.

Large ceramic slabs, although classified as plastics, are made exclusively from natural ingredients such as quartz sand, shale and granite rocks. The production process involves compressing minerals with ceramic pigments and then firing them at a temperature exceeding 1200°C, which gives them exceptional durability. This means that they do not contain any synthetic resins, making them a safe choice for indoor use. Their resistance to wear and damage means that they will not need to be replaced frequently, which contributes to a reduction in construction waste and limits the exploitation of natural resources.

GRANDEX is a material that combines innovative functional properties with an environmentally friendly composition. It consists of almost 70% natural minerals, which are also used in medicine, which confirms their safety. In addition, it contains flexible, durable acrylic resin (30%) and natural pigments (≤1%), which are responsible for the wide range of decor colours. Its exceptional durability and repairability mean that it can be used for many years, minimising waste and the need for replacement. This material is recyclable, chemically inert (does not react with other substances) and harmless to the environment. It does not emit toxic substances or volatile organic compounds. Sealants and adhesives used during installation only produce minimal amounts of volatile organic compounds, which is well below the standards set by the EU and the USA.

When choosing materials for interior design, it is worth paying attention not only to their specifications, but also to proven quality and environmental impact standards. Certificates awarded by independent organisations guarantee that a product meets specific safety, hygiene and environmental standards. What markings can be found on the materials available on Architype and what do they mean?

• ISO 9001:2015 – quality management (Caesarstone quartz surface, GRANDEX acrylic solid surface)

This certificate confirms that the brand implements and maintains an effective quality management system. This means that all production, inspection and distribution processes comply with the highest standards, ensuring repeatability and reliability of products for customers.

• NSF – safe for contact with food (Caesarstone quartz surface, GRANDEX acrylic solid surface)

NSF certification confirms that slab surfaces meet strict hygiene standards. Issued by an independent non-profit organisation, it guarantees that the materials can come into direct contact with food without emitting any harmful substances. The NSF / ANSI 51 standard confirms their safety and compliance with international health standards.

• LEED – sustainable building (Caesarstone quartz surface)

Caesarstone products meet the requirements of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification system, which means that they fulfil the high ecological standards used in modern construction.

• GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD GOLD – clean indoor air (Caesarstone quartz surface, GRANDEX acrylic solid surface)

The GREENGUARD and GREENGUARD GOLD certificates confirm that the products do not emit any harmful substances into the air. This means that they can be used safely even in sensitive areas such as schools and kindergartens.

• OHSAS 18001:2007 (Caesarstone quartz surface)
• ISO 45001:2018 – occupational health and safety (Caesarstone quartz surface, GRANDEX acrylic solid surface)

These certificates are for health and safety management systems. Obtaining them means that the brand not only cares about the high quality of its products, but also about the safety of its employees and minimising work-related risks.

• ISO 14001:2015 – environmental responsibility (Caesarstone quartz surface, GRANDEX acrylic solid surface)

The ISO 14001:2015 standard specifies requirements for an environmental management system. Obtaining this certificate confirms that the brand uses environmentally friendly solutions in production, limits its impact on the environment and minimises the emission of harmful substances.

• Kosher certificate – confirmation of the highest hygiene standards (Caesarstone quartz surface)

Caesarstone is also certified kosher, which means that it meets strict hygiene standards. This is an additional confirmation of the product's safety.

• SGS certificate (Avant Quartz surface)

Avant Quartz products have undergone rigorous testing by the Swiss company SGS, an independent organisation specialising in quality control and material safety. This certificate confirms that Avant Quartz quartz surfaces meet international standards and have undergone detailed testing of their performance characteristics.

• Keralini fire classification (Keralini large ceramic slab)

Keralini large ceramic slabs fulfil fire safety standards, as confirmed by a classification report in accordance with PN-B-02867:2013-06. This document specifies the degree of fire spread through wall cladding used in ventilated façade systems. Thanks to its properties, this material is a safe solution for the construction industry, increasing the protection of buildings against fire and meeting strict fire safety requirements.

• Hygiene certificates of the National Institute of Hygiene (GRANDEX acrylic solid surface)

GRANDEX products have been awarded the Hygienic Certificate by the National Institute of Hygiene, which confirms that both the slabs and the adhesives used in their installation comply with current safety standards. This means that the material does not negatively affect the health of users or the environment. This is a key confirmation for applications in spaces such as medical facilities, laboratories, kitchens and other places with very high sanitary requirements.

• National Technical Assessment ITB-KOT-2022/2289 (GRANDEX acrylic solid surface)

GRANDEX has been positively assessed by the Building Research Institute, which means that its performance characteristics meet the requirements of construction standards in Poland.

• Certificate of suitability for use in shipbuilding (HPL Puricelli laminate)

HPL Puricelli meets the standards for use in the construction of large ships. This means that the material is resistant to difficult environmental conditions, such as high humidity, temperature fluctuations and contact with seawater. The laminate has the MED (Marine Equipment Directive) marking, which is a European Union directive concerning the conformity of marine equipment installed on ships flying the flags of EU member states in the context of maritime safety and protection of the marine environment.

• Low volatile organic compound (VOC) content certificate (HPL Puricelli laminate)

HPL Puricelli has low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which translates into better indoor air quality. This confirms its safety for the health of users, especially in enclosed spaces such as offices, schools and medical facilities.

• Certified phenol-free (HPL Puricelli laminate)

Standard HPL laminates often contain phenol, but HPL Puricelli is free of this chemical compound. Instead, proprietary, safe thermosetting resins are used, which do not emit harmful substances, making the product more friendly to both users and the environment.

• FSC-certified – responsible sourcing of raw materials (HPL Puricelli laminate)

HPL Puricelli is FSC-certified, which guarantees that the materials used in its production come from responsibly managed forests. This means that the production of laminates does not contribute to the degradation of forest ecosystems or cause overexploitation of natural resources.

The choice of appropriate materials is not only a question of aesthetics, but also of durability, ecology and everyday comfort of use. The more resistant the surface, the less often it needs to be replaced, which means less use of raw materials and less construction waste. In addition, easy maintenance without the need for aggressive chemicals is good for the environment and the health of the users. The impact on hygiene and safety is also important. Surfaces without pores and microcracks eliminate the risk of moisture and pathogenic microorganism accumulation, making them an excellent choice for spaces where sterility is important - from kitchens and bathrooms, through schools and kindergartens, to laboratories and medical facilities. The absence of harmful substances in the composition further confirms their safety. By choosing durable, hygienic and ecological materials, we invest not only in the quality of the interior, but also in a healthier future - both for us and for the environment.