A solid surface countertop can change the whole atmosphere of a kitchen or bathroom. Decades ago, Samsung’s Staron won quite a loyal following because of its mix of acrylic resin and natural minerals. Contractors liked its workability and seamless finish. Homeowners liked how easy it was to clean and repair. Many ask if Samsung is still involved in producing this material, especially after so many changes in the global materials market.
Samsung Chemical launched Staron in the early 1990s, chasing after DuPont’s Corian and LG’s Hi-Macs. This was South Korea flexing its muscles as a major player in specialty chemicals. It wasn't just about kitchen fashion, either. Acrylic solid surfaces filled the gap between more costly natural stone and low-budget laminates. I remember my uncle picking Staron for his bakery countertops in the early 2000s. Tough, clean, bright white—he wouldn’t dream of marble crumbs gumming up the workspace. That sort of practicality built trust among fabricators.
In 2014, Samsung Group reorganized its chemical businesses, selling major portions to Lotte Chemical. The sale included the plants that made Staron. Since then, Lotte Chemical has run the solid surface business—on the very same lines, with the same base formulas. The Staron brand kept its name and continues to show up in showrooms, but it no longer comes directly from Samsung. Anyone asking about “Samsung solid surface” today is really talking about legacy products or current Staron lines under Lotte.
The move made sense. Samsung shifted focus toward semiconductor and electronics development, where returns outpace commodities like acrylic. Lotte built deeper expertise in chemicals, strengthening its footprint in resins, adhesives, and related plastics. The end product didn’t change. The people managing the production lines at Lotte brought their know-how from Samsung, keeping quality consistent.
Knowing which company stands behind a material helps both professionals and homeowners make smart choices. Full transparency from manufacturers applies not just for warranty claims, but for understanding environmental and safety certifications. Lotte continues to invest in certifications like NSF and GREENGUARD. For recycling or green building credits, these details matter. Before installing a solid surface, I always talk with the supplier about origin, warranty, and aftercare. Misunderstandings can cost money if a slab chips or develops a defect.
Big brands like Samsung, LG, and Lotte have shaped the solid surface market, but new competition comes from China, India, and North America. Costs, quality, and transparency each play a role. Modern buyers check for recycled material content, VOC emissions, and region of manufacture. In the shops I’ve visited, fabricators want a slab that routes cleanly, bonds without fuss, and promises support if something goes wrong in ten years.
Lotte’s Staron keeps its reputation because of ongoing R&D, stable distribution, and feedback from the trades. While Samsung’s name no longer appears, the legacy and technical backbone remain important to buyers. As choices multiply, investing in material education and clear documentation protects both tradespeople and consumers from costly surprises.
