Innovative Stone Countertops: Friendlier for the Environment

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Innovative Stone announced today that its popular brand of stain-resistant, natural stone countertops, Stonemark by Innovative Stone, has received two environmental health and safety certifications from the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute (GEI). The certifications include the GREENGUARD Indoor Air Quality Certification and the GREENGUARD For Children & Schools Certification. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that, in receiving these certifications, Stonemark has become the first brand of 100% natural stone countertops to be GREENGUARD certified. Today's announcement further confirms that Stonemark natural stone countertops promote a healthy indoor air environment for all households, as well as K-12 and daycare facilities.

The reception of these certifications mark yet another milestone in the environmentally conscious endeavors of Stonemark natural stone countertops. The key to this accomplishment is the fact that Stonemark countertops are protected by PermaShield, Innovative Stone's revolutionary anti-staining technology. Through independent laboratory testing, PermaShield has been found to "make granite surfaces more sanitary, easier-to-clean, and help to inhibit the growth of odor and stain-causing bacteria" on countertops. The GEI certifications are expected to further increase interest in Stonemark, which, through its exclusive partnership with The Home Depot® and Expo Design Center, is quickly becoming one of the most popular surfaces in the American household.

"We are very proud that PermaShield-protected natural stone has received certifications from the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute," said Karen Pearse, chief executive officer and founder of Innovative Stone. "Innovative Stone products continue to stay at the forefront of true innovation for the contemporary home." Following the reception of the certifications, Karen Pearse, who founded Innovative Stone in 1981, was recognized by Carl Smith, chief executive officer of GREENGUARD. "Innovative Stone's commitment to creating innovative and environmentally safe products should serve as inspiration for other companies that design products that people use on a daily basis," said Smith.

About GEI
GEI is a non-profit organization that establishes chemical emissions standards for indoor products, environments, and buildings. The GREENGUARD Certification Program identifies acceptable levels of chemical emissions, determines the most rigorous testing procedures and then certifies products and materials that meet the organization's stringent criteria. Certified products to the Children and Schools Standard are listed in the on-line product guide at no charge located at greenguard.org.

About Innovative Stone®:
Innovative Stone is a leading fabricator, supplier and distributor of branded natural stone products for commercial and residential markets, with operations in New York, Brazil, China, India and Italy, as well as distribution centers in major cities across the U.S. Innovative Stone pioneered Stonemark™, the first branded granite countertop exclusive to The Home Depot and Expo Design Center. Other Innovative Stone brands include: Bellavana™, PermaShield™ and Proliner™. With more than five million square feet of granite fabricated and installed, Innovative Stone is the world's largest granite countertop fabricator. Innovative Stone is recognized for its commitment to excellence and unsurpassed customer service by discerning homeowners, architects and designers of the world's most beautiful buildings, retail venues and hotels.