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Product Overview

Made in the USA from over 55% recycled glass and select ceramic materials with Terra Green’s unique Glass Fusion process. 

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Approved by Subject Editors on August 11, 2004

Reviewed by Lily Livingston
Terra Green ceramic tiles are environmentally attractive because they are comprised of 58% post-consumer recycled glass. Post-consumer reclaimed materials have reached their end-user before being discarded, and they are preferable to post-industrial recycled content, because post-consumer recycled materials are more likely to be diverted from landfills. Terra Green's recycled glass content also helps reduce our need for raw materials, and glass is 100% recyclable and can be used over and over with no loss in quality. From a life-cycle perspective, recycling glass causes high-energy consumption, as well as some pollution, during the recycling process itself. In addition to the recycled content, Terra Green ceramic tiles have a low impact on the environment in that they are a high quality low-maintenance product. Terra Classic tiles used on walls and countertops have a durable glazed finish that is stain and wear resistant. Terra Traffic tiles used for flooring and where non-slip surfaces are required have an excellent wear rating due to their through-body color, and are stain and scratch resistant. For both styles, the combination of dense tile body and non-porous surface prevents dirt and stains from penetrating and keeps contaminants at surface level, where sweeping or mopping with a mild neutral biodegradable detergent is usually all it takes. Terra Traffic & Terra Classic do not require a sealer, but Terra Stone must be sealed prior to grouting. To maintain good indoor air quality, avoid using sealers, mortars, grout, and adhesives that contain petroleum or plastic additives when specifying this tile.

Reviewed by Eric Freed
Terra Green glass tiles contain about 60% recycled glass. The glass is gathered throughout the United States from several different suppliers and then shipped to Tennessee where it is processed and then shipped to Indiana. They claim 48% of the bulk glass used comes from airplane windshields. Glass is formed from the heating of silica, which is essentially sand. Glass is all natural, and easily recyclable. The downside: Glass, especially the gorgeous tiles from Terra Green, use a fair amount of heat and energy in their creation. They also lose points for the division between their material sources and their plant and their not being local to the Bay Area.

Glass is heat resistant, stain resistant, cut resistant, and acid resistant. It is, of course, not able to withstand high impact or point load impacts. In tile form, the glass will be incredibly durable. The grout joints are not the best for a countertop, but work very well for a backsplash.

Reviewed by Cassandra Adams
This product is manufactured in a fairly similar manner to conventional products in terms of energy consumption, but because it contains over 55% recycled glass, it reduces the extraction impacts to only about half that required by conventional ceramic tiles. The environmental releases are about the same as for similar standard products.

Ceramic tiles, whether conventional or green, produce no emissions, and their hard surfaces allow them to be thoroughly cleaned with ease. These products are among the best-tolerated by people with chemical sensitivities or chronic respiratory ailments. Ceramic tiles are very durable, exceeded only by concrete, stone, and terrazzo.

Reviewed by Marian Keeler
55-58% post consumer recycled content glass. 48% of the glass is comprised of recycled airline windshields.

About Ceramic Tile, in general, embodied energy studies reveal that there is habitat alteration/destruction, and erosion from mining during the manufacture of ceramic tiles. There is also the threat of over-excavation from mining and mining itself creates combustion, which causes emissions. Tile setting adhesives, latex mortar and grout are derived from petrochemicals and their emissions cause health problems. During firing of tile, combustion by-products are released.

For recycled content products, the 'full benefits of raw materials are realized from the recycling process, through the use of both post consumer and post industrial glass. Clay and sand is abundant but petroleum and natural gas are finite resources and should be considered when exerting care over natural resource depletion.

Tile is a stable inert product. Components are fixed within the vitreous matrix and therefore do not contribute to emissions. Manufacturer says a sealer is not necessary. Should one be used, look for a water based, penetrating, low VOC sealer. Cementitious thinset setting is recommended but mastic can be used. The greener choice would be thinset.

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Manufacturer Information

www.terragreenceramics.com

Terra Green Ceramics
1650 Progress Drive
Richmond, IN 47374
Phone: 765-935-4760
Fax: 765-935-3971

Terra Green Ceramics, Inc. is a manufacturer of recycled glass tile. The concept of using recycled glass in a ceramic tile was born in the late 1970’s and, through years of research, testing and product development, has become one of the premiere choices.