From new programs and guidelines to groundbreaking inventions, the industry is embracing low-silica and crystalline silica-free surfaces.

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / August 27, 2026 / The global countertop industry is changing, and it is changing fast. Constantly evolving, the countertop surface conversation initially focused on design, gradually gravitating towards topics such as strength and durability. Over the last five years, with the appearance of unbranded materials and even cheaper fabrication, the low pricing discussion has taken precedence.

But over the past year or so, the conversation has altered once again, placing an emphasis on sustainability, transparency and concerns for workers' health and safety. A prime example came in May 2026, as the UK's Health & Safety Executive (HSE) issued a new guidance regarding respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and a nationwide inspection programme targeting engineered stone fabricators.

Crystalline silica-free surfaces: A new standard

The HSE's latest guidance declares that dry cutting of engineered stone is an unacceptable practice, and identifies water suppression as how businesses are expected to meet their existing legal duty to control exposure. In addition, the HSE tells employers to switch to products containing the lowest crystalline silica content, alongside other best practices like mist control and regular health surveillance.

Caesarstone launched Caesarstone ICON™ in 2025 - advanced fusion surfaces built on a patent-pending crystalline silica-free* material blend. Caesarstone ICON™ surfaces meet the market standards of product performance and its silica content is verified independently through XRD testing.

Backed by nearly 40 years of surface innovation, Caesarstone ICON™ represents a leap forward in new surface products - combining future-ready technology, premium aesthetics and commercial practicality in a constantly evolving surface portfolio. With Caesarstone ICON™, kitchen designers and retailers all over the world are able to stay ahead of changing industry expectations while continuing to deliver the durability, aesthetic quality and trusted performance customers expect.

The Caesarstone ICON™ range now spans 59 designs worldwide and is growing every quarter.

The new big questions

The new focus on surface materials means that today, retailers, designers, developers and homeowners are asking how products are manufactured, how responsibly they are fabricated, and whether they are aligned with the future direction of the industry.

What is this surface, what's in it, and how was it made, have become the big questions on everyone's mind.

As a result, retailers and designers should be, or already are, expecting greater transparency and technical reassurance from the brands they specify. Safety Data Sheets, Technical Data Sheets and independently verified third-party certifications are becoming increasingly important in demonstrating product compliance, performance standards and responsible manufacturing practices.

Caesarstone ICON™ is designed to meet these expectations.

Sustainability is becoming central to specification

Alongside HSE considerations, sustainability is also reshaping global customer expectations.

Caesarstone ICON™ contains ~85% recycled material content, including high-quality post-industrial glass, supporting more environmentally conscious specification without sacrificing performance or visual impact. The collection is also supported by Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and recognized third-party certifications including GREENGUARD, Declare and SCS certifications.

For developers, retailers and homeowners alike, this creates a compelling combination of design credibility, responsible manufacturing and future-focused thinking.

View Caesarstone's environmental certifications

* May contain up to 1% crystalline silica.

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SOURCE: Caesarstone