CaraGreen Partners with Meld USA to Distribute Environmentally Conscious Countertops
Posted: 03-17-2009 : CARBORRO, N.C.

Carrboro, NC – CaraGreen, a distributor of sustainable architectural materials, announced today its partnership with Meld USA to manufacture the ecoX & Xposed countertop slabs. This agreement marks an innovation in developing cement-based recycled glass and natural minerals products for the green building industry. These materials have a lower carbon footprint and are more environmentally conscious than traditional countertop materials.

Meld USA is a market leader for designing and manufacturing high quality, low impact cement-based composite materials. EcoX is a high-design eco-sensitive concrete product made with nearly 70% post-consumer and post-industrial recycled materials including glass, while Xposed is comprised of about 25% of post-industrial recycled materials. These ecologically sensitive countertop materials contribute to credits towards LEED certification with the U.S. Green Building Council and divert waste from landfills.

“We are thrilled to be working with Meld to develop ecoX & Xposed in slab form, and help them scale their business. We are constantly looking for the best and emerging materials to introduce to the green building industry,” said Stacy Glass, president of CaraGreen. “EcoX and Xposed are a perfect demonstration of environmentally conscious products with proven success in the custom market, and adjusting the manufacturing process to meet the demands of larger development projects. Our distribution network will stock ecoX and Xposed slabs, creating cost competitive and readily available alternatives to conventional building materials.”

With over 10 years of experience in manufacturing of cement-based composite products and materials, Meld USA has received national acclaim for its high design materials. In 2008, the company made the decision to reposition itself in the market through the launch of ecoX and Xposed as an eco-friendly alternative to granite. Meld has responded to the growing concern over the environment not just through development of low impact products, but by addressing its process to find ways to become a more sustainable business – environmentally and economically.

“CaraGreen is creating the infrastructure to enable our business to adjust to a quickly growing market for eco-friendly materials,” said Michael Bustin, President of Meld USA. “We viewed this partnership as an opportunity to expand our business and streamline the logistics of ordering and installing the countertops. This opportunity is a direct result of the increase in sustainable building.”

About CaraGreen:
CaraGreen is a distributor of sustainable architectural materials. We compare and analyze different products for their natural resource management, labor and supply chain practices, and overall carbon footprint. Each product in our portfolio has been selected for its balance of sustainable, aesthetic, and functional attributes. CaraGreen also provides education and consultation about the use, selection, and sourcing of sustainable products. CaraGreen is a resource for sustainability and LEED education. Visit CaraGreen at www.caragreen.com

About Meld USA:
Meld drives the evolution of eco-sensitive concrete in the modern lifestyle. Meld develops innovative concrete materials, creates striking products, and collaborates with visionary architects, designers and clients for high impact working, living and entertaining essentials. The world's leading designers and architects insist on Meld's award-winning concrete materials and design vision for discerning clients with sophisticated desires.

Meld creations stimulate the visual and tactile senses and are recognized for their elegant and sophisticated style. To learn more about how Meld materials, designs and products can impact your modern world, visit Meld at www.meldusa.com