One of the most positive developments on a global basis in 2023, a troubled year for the natural stone sector, came from Australia. In December, the Australian government decided to ban the production of artificial stone due to its negative effects on worker health. Although the decision entered into force as of July 1, 2024, if we underline that the Australian market grew by 50% in the first 5 months of 2024 on behalf of Turkey, we will be able to explain the impact of this decision on the natural stone sector in the clearest way. However, what is even more important is whether this decision taken by Australia will be reflected in other countries, especially in the USA.
CALL FOR URGENCY
The first news in this direction came from New Zealand. Unions, public health experts and social security experts published an open letter to Brooke van Velden, Minister of Labor Relations and Safety. The letter calls on the New Zealand government to follow the Australian example and ban the use, supply and manufacture of engineered stone products. Richard Wagstaff, President of the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, said: “Silicosis is an incurable disease. But human exposure to it can be prevented. We reiterate the urgency of this demand. We call on the government to listen to the evidence and ban artificial stone.”
ALSO DEBATED IN THE USA
In Australia, “Artificial stone is a fashion product that kills the workers who produce it. Why are we risking the lives of workers for a stylish finish in our kitchens when alternatives are readily available?” The movement started in Australia with the objection, and now eyes are turning to the US. So what is the situation in the US? Although no legal steps have been taken yet, the number of news and opinions about composite stone in the media has increased following the ban in Australia. In a magazine for architects, it is implied that composite stones cause the death of people, and the consequences of a possible ban are also discussed.
