In the realm of surface coverings, few brands are as popular as Compac in the Spanish market. Known for its craftsmanship in quartz, Compac has not only etched its name as a leader in quality but also as a trailblazer in environmental stewardship and technological innovation. From the beginning, Compac has demonstrated commitment to quality. This is shown by their compliance with strict European standards for food safety and fire resistance. However, their depth extends far beyond quality alone. Join us as we explore the aspects of Compac quartz.
Accountability and Quality of Compac
Compac quartz complies with many regulations for quality both in the U.S. and Europe.
Contact With Food
Compac adheres to European Regulation CE 1935/2004, ensuring their products are safe for contact with food. Their products also comply with the standards UNE-EN 13501-1:07, certified by Bureau Veritas. Additionally, the National Health and Safety Foundation (NSF) certifies that their products are safe for direct contact with food.
Environmental Safety
Compac adheres to a number of environmental standards. One of these is the Environmental Product Declaration or EPD Certification. This confirms that they establish an environmental impact through the products’ life cycle, meaning the extraction of stone to the manufacturing process.
Another standard Compac complies with is LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. Through the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), Compac’s facilities are sure to be cost-efficient and energy-saving.
Compac also complies with Greenguard and Greenguard Gold. Regarding vaporous organic compounds (COVs), the Greenguard Environmental Institute guarantees that Compac products adhere to indoor air quality standards. The company was also granted the most strict seals in this industry: Greenguard Indoor Air Quality Certified and The Greenguard Children & Schools Certified.
Fire Safety
Compac is also certified fire resistant, according to the Afiti Centre of Fire Testing and Research (Association for the Promotion of Research and Fire Safety Technology).
Emissions Safety
Compac ensures that all emissions from their production process are within the established legal limits, demonstrating a commitment to responsible environmental practices.
Compac safety certifications for environmental protection, food contact, air quality, and fire safety.
Compac’s Environmental Commitments
Over the many years since its beginning, Compac has made many commitments to environmental efficiency.
Eco-Efficiency Goal
Compac aims to be an eco-efficient company, using 100% recycled or renewably-sourced raw materials for manufacturing their products.
Water Recovery and Reuse
In 1981, they built their first water recovery and reuse plant, which was highly innovative at the time. Initially reusing 50% of all water in their processes, they now reuse 95%.
Efficiency Improvements
In 1997, they introduced a revolutionary block-cutting system, increasing raw material efficiency by 25%. By 1998, they improved their block-cutting production management to reduce power consumption by 40% and increased their polishing process efficiency by 90%.
Environmental Policy and CO2 Offset
In 2003, the company implemented an environmental policy aiming to offset their CO2 impact by 2015, including the replanting of over 5,000 native trees in Portugal.
Renewable Energy Use
Since 2011, 100% of the electric power used at their Abrantes plant in Portugal for manufacturing technological quartz products comes from renewable energy sources.
Source: Compac. Compac offices.
Resin Types in Quartz Manufacturing
Compac has even been innovating in the resins and epoxies they use in their quartz slabs.
Composition
Compac Technological Quartz is composed of 93-95% natural quartz, with the addition of small quantities of resin and pigments. This combination results in a product stronger than natural stone and with zero porosity.
Resin Details
Approximately 5-7% of Compac Technological Quartz consists of high-quality polyester or natural resin agglomerate polymer, contributing to its strength and aesthetic appeal.
BIOresins
Since March 2011, Compac’s “Nature” line products have been made using high-technology “BIOresins” from renewable plant sources. This initiative is part of their goal to create recyclable products from 100% recycled raw materials.
Compac Quartz Vs. Generic Quartz
When comparing Compac quartz to other basic types of quartz, it’s important to highlight some of the issues that have been associated with the generic quartz industry, while acknowledging the strengths of the manufacturer Compac.
Quality Consistency and Standards Compliance
- Compac Quartz: European manufacturers are renowned for their consistent high quality and strict adherence to European standards, which are among the most stringent globally. This ensures safety, durability, and a high level of craftsmanship in their products.
- Generic Quartz: The quality of many other quartz companies can vary significantly. While there are many high-quality manufacturers, the large number of producers and less strict enforcement of standards can lead to inconsistency in product quality. Issues with porosity, strength, and longevity have been noted in some lower-quality quartz.
Environmental Regulations and Sustainability
- Compac Quartz: Compac quartz often leads in environmental sustainability, adhering to strict environmental regulations. Their practices include using recycled materials, reducing emissions, and focusing on eco-friendly manufacturing processes.
- Generic Quartz: Environmental compliance can be a challenge in the basic quartz industry. The enforcement of environmental regulations has historically been less strict, leading to concerns over the ecological impact of quartz manufacturing, including higher carbon footprints and inefficient use of resources.
Innovation and Technological Advancements
- Compac Quartz: This company is known for their technological innovations, especially in enhancing product quality and environmental sustainability.
- Generic Quartz: While many manufacturers are quick to adopt new technologies, the emphasis has often been on cost-effective production rather than pioneering sustainable or advanced manufacturing techniques.
Market Positioning and Pricing
- Compac Quartz: Typically positioned in the higher end of the market due to their focus on quality and sustainability. Their products are often more expensive, reflecting the higher production standards and environmental compliance costs.
- Generic Quartz: Known for competitive pricing, which can sometimes come at the cost of lower quality standards or environmental considerations.
Transparency and Ethical Practices
- Compac Quartz: There is generally a higher level of transparency in European manufacturing processes, with clearer supply chain practices and ethical considerations.
- Generic Quartz: The transparency of manufacturing processes and the ethical sourcing of raw materials can be concerns in some low-quality quartz operations.
