the present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a shaped article from a composite material comprising a solid filler and a thermoplastic binder , said process comprising the following subsequent steps : feeding a solid filler and a thermoplastic binder to a kneading device ; mixing the solid filler and the thermoplastic binder in the kneading device , wherein the pressure exerted on the mixture of the solid filler and the thermoplastic binder is in the range of about 100 kpa to about 1500 kpa to obtain a composite material ; forming the composite material as obtained in step into a shaped article ; and cooling the shaped article as obtained in step . the shaped article is preferably a slab which can very suitable be used in the decoration of floors , ceilings , wall panels , vanity tops , kitchen work surfaces , kitchen tops , bathrooms , internal and external cladding and other two - dimensional and three - dimensional shapes by extrusion and or injection moulding techniques .