Sustainable Materials

Surfaces: Cascade

Manufacturer: Richlite |  Product Homepage

Richlite is an eco friendly paper-based fiber composite surface material. It is used in exterior siding, as well as interior surface materials both in residential and commercial settings. For interior applications, Richlite is typically used for wall panel systems, signage, cabinetry, and countertops.

 

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All Richlite materials, including the Cascade collection, are made with either FDC Certified or post-consumer recycled paper. In addition, Richlite products are GREENGUARD certified for indoor use in residential, educational, and institutional environments. Richlite products also use EcoBind No Added Urea Formaldehyde (NAUF) resin, which is one of the lowest VOC emitters available on the resin market to date.

 

All of Richlite's materials are derived from natural elements. The material starts out as pulp, is then turned into paper, and is transformed into a dense, durable material that can be manipulated just like wood and used for any type of commercial or residential surface or design accent.

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Maintenance: Cascade products are generally quite stain resistant. However, there is some potential for staining. Acidic cleaning products may be used, but high-alkaline products should be avoided, as they can strip the color of the material after prolonged exposure. Stains should be cleaned with mild soap and water, and can be scrubbed with a soft bristle brush if needed. Stubborn stains can be repaired with a light refinishing of the material.

 

Cascade products, while significantly harder than wood, can still be scratched if enough force is used. Countertops should never be used as a cutting surface; cutting boards should always be used. Due to the product’s solid color, scratches can typically be buffed out. If deeper scratches occur, they can be repaired with a light refinishing.

 

For more information, please refer to the manufacturer’s care and maintenance guidelines.

 

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Cascade Surfaces helps to satisfy the following LEED credits:

 

MR Credit 3: Materials Reuse

MR Credit 4: Recycled Content

MR Credit 5: Regional Materials

MR Credit 6: Rapidly Renewable Materials

MR Credit 7: Certified Wood

 

IEQ Credit 4.4: Low-Emitting Materials: Composite Wood & Agrifiber Products

 

ID Credit 1: Innovation in Design

 

Please click here for more detailed information as to how Cascade can help your project gain LEED credits.

 

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As part of Richlite’s commitment to sustainability, a third party agency conducted a full Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and published an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD). The analysis shown here was performed in accordance with the Green Standard Environmental Product Declaration System Product Category Rule for Countertops, v3. The analysis was performed by the Institute of Environmental Research and Education (IERE).

- Richlite

 

View the Environmental Product Declaration for Richlite Countertops (including material content and life-cycle environmental impact).

 

Additional third party certificates for Greenguard and the FSC can be found below:

 

Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certified

Greenguard Children & Schools Indoor Air Quality Certificate

FSC Certificate from The Rainforest Alliance