http://www.kitchenbathdesign.com/green/2009/05/03/neat-product-alert-kbis-edition-totos-lucid/

In TOTO’s own words:

“With over 1,500 Research and Design Engineers on staff in its global network, TOTO is constantly innovating new products, materials, and technologies to enhance its customers’ experience in, and the serene beauty of, their bath space.   “Continual innovation is an important aspect of our commitment to excellence,” said Lenora Campos, a company spokesperson.  “Our goal is to anticipate the needs of the consumer before those needs become apparent.  Each of these new innovations is ahead of its time.” 

TOTO’s new Luminist is a hybrid epoxy resin that combines the translucence of glass with exceptional impact-, heat-, and stain-resistance of a marble surface.  These qualities enable TOTO to craft from it bathtubs and lavatories that are not only beautiful and durable, but also can also be lit from below, opening up myriad design possibilities for subtle, ambient effects to influence the atmosphere of the bath.  This blend of qualities – beauty, lucidity, and durability – makes Luminist a designer’s fantasy material come to reality.  Luminist belongs to a family of materials – epoxy resins – that is more commonly found in airplane wings than the high-end bath.  This hybrid epoxy resin can withstand temperatures of up to an industry-high of 680°F — not to mention its ability to withstand scratching and high impact.  Its excellent machining properties make it versatile to use and easy to repair, and, as a toxin-free epoxy resin, no volatile organic compounds are released during its production, which benefits the environment.”

Pretty neat stuff.  More to come!