Granite Transformations, the thin resin-based surfaces that are put over existing worktops, are now being made with up to 51% recycled porcelain.

Trend Group, which makes the surfaces as well as tiles and which is headquartered in Vicenza, Italy, has partnered with American-based ceramic bath and sink maker Kohler Co. Trend will take the pre-consumer porcelain waste from Kohler's manufacturering process to use in its agglomerate surfaces that are made at the Trend Sebring plant in Florida, USA.

This partnership means Trend agglomerate products are now being made with up to 51% of recovered Kohler porcelain, as well as recycled glass and granite, that would otherwise end up in landfill sites. The co-operative effort has already kept nearly £1million-worth of waste porcelain out of landfill.

The new porcelain surfaces are non-porous, resistant to stains, scratches and heat, and come with a lifetime warranty. They are being marketed and installed through Trend’s Granite Transformations global home improvements franchise.