RP-made surface material invades foreign markets

A Philippine-made solid surface material has captured new markets in Europe, United States and China.

Called Abient, these synthetic products look like real marbles and granites but are more durable and glossier. These are now being exported to those countries, aside from Japan, Canada and other parts of Asia.

Abient is used as kitchen countertops, wash basins, bathroom lavatories, wall panels, and food, bar and reception counters in prestigious buildings, homes and various establishments.

The product is being manufactured at a 1,200-sq.ft. plant in the People's Technology Complex in Carmona, Cavite by the ONDA Group, a sister company of Filipino firm Polytex Marketing Corp.

Polytex president Elmer T. Caparros said Abient was developed not only for its beauty and elegance but more so for its safety and cleanliness. "Unlike real marbles and granites, Abient is a non-porous solid surface material where bacteria cannot thrive. Thus, it has passed the Japanese Food Hygiene Law for food zone area," Caparros said.

Only recently, Polytex has come out with 17 integrated Abient wash basins and countertops with more than 300 colors and stone-like patterns to choose from.

Abient counterports now also come with complete modular kitchen systems that are made of real natural hardwood, instead of the ordinary laminated wood fiber of its foreign competitors.

Being fire-and heat-resistant and virtually incombustible, Abient has also passed the Japanese Standard Test Method for Surface Burning characteristics of Building Materials.

Abient is formed by mixing 100 percent high-grade imported polyester, acrylic and aluminum powder to produce synthetic marble and granite that are also chemical-resistant, stain-and shock-proof, and can withstand hear of up to 250 degrees centigrade. Yet, Abient is much lighter and easier to install than natural marble or granite.

"In fact, Abient can be molded with backguards and drip-free edges, or made to fit into specific sizes and shapes of surface areas, thus creating seamless counterports," Caparros said.

Abient products will be showcased at a construction exhibit in EDSA Plaza Shangri-La on Feb. 14-16. Meantime, these are displayed in the Polytex showroom at the MC Home Builders' Depot at the corner of EDSA and Pasong Tamo in Makati City, with phone numbers 8177731 and 8177697, and fax number 8130874.