Contact:

J.J. Newby Ketzle 703-525-0320 jketzle@icpa-hq.org

GROWTH PROJECTED FOR SOLID SURFACE AND OTHER CAST POLYMER SOLUTIONS
IN KITCHEN AND BATH SURFACES MARKET

ORLANDA, FL – K/BIS – APRIL 13, 2003 – As the variety of kitchen and bath surfacing materials increases, cast polymer products continue to gain in popularity, with the cast polymer industry growing over 7 percent per year to a projected 172 million square feet in 2006, according a recent study. Solid Surface & Other Cast Polymer Materials from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industrial market research firm, attributes the growth to increasing consumer interest in high-end, yet durable surfacing materials that require minimal maintenance.

In particular, solid surface will lead the cast polymer industry, with nearly half of all volume sales in 2006, according to the study.

“This is an exciting time in the cast polymer industry,” said Steve Embler, President of the International Cast Polymer Alliance (ICPA), “we are able to offer such a wide variety of surfaces and looks to the end customers due to the continual advancements in our industry. If you can dream it up, we can cast it for you. Cast polymer is truly the most flexible option for surfacing needs.”

Cast polymer products include cultured marble, solid surface, and cultured stone. They are man-made, chemically bonded, mineral filled, polymeric materials that can be molded and hardened to a solid material in a variety of shapes and colors to meet diverse design needs. Cast polymer is stronger and less brittle than quarried marble, is more durable than porcelain, and often less expensive than granite. Cast polymer products resist mildew and stains and are easily cleaned with non-abrasive cleaning agents. The one-piece, seamless construction of cast polymer is easy to maintain and resistant to breakage. It is popular with developers because of the consistency of appearance as well as quality even when produced in large quantities.
Cast polymer products include kitchen and bath counter tops, sinks, lavatories, vanities, shower bases and walls, bathtubs, fireplace surrounds, window sills, whirlpool baths and molding accents for residential and commercial buildings.

ICPA is showcasing examples of cast polymer products at the 2003 Kitchen/Bath Industry Show and Conference (K/BIS) in booth 5693. In particular, the booth display highlights the benefits of cast polymer solutions, including overall value and durability, the ability to be almost any shape and any color desired, ease of maintenance, and high-end appearance at a reasonable price. The booth also emphasizes that while cast polymer is a long-lasting product, its reasonable price point also allows consumers to change their minds and their color schemes at any point in the future with a guilt-free conscience.

Copyright © 2003 International Cast Polymer Alliance of the Composites Fabricators Association

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The International Cast Polymer Alliance (ICPA) is a nonprofit organization representing over 300 members including manufacturers, suppliers, fabricators, and installers of cultured marble, cultured granite, cultured onyx, and solid surface kitchen and bath products. ICPA is dedicated to promoting recognition and demand for cast polymer products, representing the industry on legislative and regulatory issues, and maintaining high standards of quality in cast polymer products. ICPA publishes a monthly magazine, The Cast Polymer Connection. ICPA is an alliance of the Composites Fabricators Association (CFA), the world’s largest trade group representing the composites industry. For ICPA membership information, call 703-525-0320, email icpa-info@icpa-hq.org,or visit ICPA’s web site: www.icpa-hq.org.

Solid Surface & Other Cast Polymer Materials (published October 2002, 211 pages) is available for $3,800 from The Freedonia Group, Inc. (Cleveland, Ohio). For details, please see their web site: www.freedoniagroup.com.

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