Get to know Betta Stone
Betta Stone wants you to know that currently, 1.36 million tonnes of glass waste produced each year is piling up in warehouses and landfills across Australia. That figure might be staggering, but the Australian-owned, Melbourne-based company has leveraged these overlooked resources into a unique opportunity that’s catching the eyes of homeowners, architects and companies alike.
Betta Stone created its own technology that uses waste glass and converts it into high-quality, sustainable benchtops for kitchens, restaurants, cafés and office spaces. The hard surface is ideal for kitchen benchtops, splashbacks, bathroom vanities and BBQ worktops.
Prioritising the environment by stimulating the circular economy was Betta Stone’s original goal, but it soon learnt that its business also improved public health. “Our [intention] originally [was] to make a difference in landfill,” explains Robert Thompson, co-owner of Betta Stone along with Roshni Thompson. “It has grown into the environment and health, which are both major issues today.”
The reason for this broadening of focus is that Betta Stone’s product has no harmful crystalline silica dust, exposure to which has been linked to a number of diseases and conditions in workers.
Betta Stone’s environmental and health credentials are complemented by the quality of its products. Available in a range of colours, the material is durable, less likely to crack than than other engineered stone and UV-protected. Better yet, kitting out an average kitchen, pantry or laundry in Betta Stone rescues some 800 bottles from landfill. “It comes directly from your kerb-side bin,” Robert notes. “Vegemite to Victoria Bitter bottles; all the good stuff!”
While its product is going into homes, the material is suitable for a variety of applications. Recently, L’Occitane unveiled their Bondi Junction Westfield Plaza boutique complete with benchtops and sink made by Betta Stone, using recycled glass supplied by the retailer. “Total circular economy!” Robert shares with pride.
Having gone from strength to strength in Australia, the business has its sights set on international expansion. “It’s so rewarding,” Robert reflects of Betta Stone’s journey so far. “The thing we wear as a badge of honour, though – it’s Aussie.”
