Blanco introduces the most durable, most cleanable sink on the market today, Silgranit II. 22 classic new designs, 5 fashion-forward colors and 7 patents

May, 2009--Blanco, German innovator of quality engineered stainless steel since 1925, introduces Silgranit® II, its new and improved granite composite sink. More durable and cleanable, Silgranit II is an enhanced blend of 80 percent natural granite and 20 percent acrylic resin (with ceramic components) making it the easiest to clean, most scratch resistant sink available on the market today and a popular alternative to stainless steel.

Blanco owns seven patents on the virtually unbreakable, unstainable Silgranit II formulation that is resistant to stains–even overnight red wine spills, grape juice rings, metal abrasions and more. Silgranit II is heat resistant to over 536 degrees Fahrenheit and stands up to acid, chips and impact from dropped plates, pots and more. Scratch it with a fork or heavy skillet and it wipes away clean. Silgranit II defies the effects of hard water deposits and wipes or effortlessly rinses clean. Silgranit II is extremely hygienic and safe for preparing food–and its indelible colors will never fade.

Blanco's Silgranite II Granite Composite Kitchen Sink.

"Silgranit II is a new formulation of Blanco's innovative product, making these granite sinks the best the industry has to offer," says Tim Maicher, Director of Marketing for Blanco. "Independent tests prove that the Silgranit II material cleans 40% easier than competitive products. With five sophisticated color options available, consumers and designers can select a Silgranit II sink that will complement any of today's stone and quartz countertops. Blanco continues to lead the industry in color trends, number of designs, and in quality," Maicher says.

The secret to Silgranit II's strength is within its innovative micro ceramic hollow balls. The micro ceramic additive within Blanco's patent process and material formulation creates a super smooth surface that is completely non-porous. This means stains are easy to clean because they never penetrate the surface and water moves quickly off the surface leaving less behind to clean. Each time the sink is cleaned, the water-repellant elements remain on the surface where they form a permanent protective shield against stain formation. Silgranit II resists overnight beet juice, hair dye and tea stains. It not only eliminates these stains with a swipe of a sponge–it does it even faster than before.

"The granite color trend is in full swing with almost one third of the market looking to color sinks," says Maicher. "We are seeing a movement toward natural or stone composite sinks in rich, warm colors like brown or classic dark gray that deliver a combination of fashionable design and durable, easy to clean surfaces," says Maicher. Silgranit II is offered in five colors including Café Brown, White, Anthracite, Biscuit and Metallic Gray.

"Consumers who are looking for a quality granite sink that offers natural colors, surface durability and long-lasting Performance will want Silgranit II. It has unsurpassed cleanability, is extremely hygienic and resist fading," Maicher adds. Silgranit II retails from $350 to $1,500.

About Blanco
For three generations, Blanco has quietly and passionately elevated the standards for luxury sinks, faucets and decorative accessories. Proud of its European heritage and award-winning German engineering, Blanco is steadfastly committed to their tradition of high quality, innovative design and unsurpassed service since 1925. Today, Blanco is the only supplier in the world to produce its own sinks from start to finish in three materials. Dedicated to quality without compromise, every sink is closely inspected many times before it receives the Blanco name. A remarkable history of firsts emphasizes Blanco's zeal for innovation including the first stainless steel sink to achieve a 10mm radius –Steelart®–the first to market colored hard composite sinks–and Blanco's pioneering MicroEdge™ technology with its virtual flushmount edge.

Blanco has a long tradition of environmental stewardship and their production facilities operate to strict DIN EN ISO 14001 environmental Performance standards.

Blanco is the brand of choice in the luxury sink and faucet category for its unparalleled quality and an inspirational breadth of design possibilities. From the precision craftsmanship and artistic creativity of its Steelart® brand to the stunning durability of its ground breaking Silgranit® collection, Blanco has proven that the sink is far more than a mere functional element in the kitchen.

Since 1994, Blanco has been a member of the Caux Round Table (CRT), an international network of principled business leaders and companies working to promote a moral capitalism.

For more information, visit www.Blancoamerica.com.