Organic Sound-Absorbing Panels

One of the easiest ways to improve your quality of life is to reduce noise pollution. Whether that’s through building with soundproof materials or adding sound-absorbing panels to your home or office, lowering the occurrence of unwanted noise can help improve your concentration and focus at work or help you re-establish a healthy sleep schedule at home.

What are your options for sound-absorbing panels? How do you choose the best panels for your needs? With the rise of sustainable products, organic sound-absorbing panels have grown in popularity. If you’re considering installing sound-absorbing panels in your building, organic sound-absorbing panels may be your best option.

Organic Sound-Absorbing Panels

Several studies have been done to test the effectiveness of sound-absorbing panels constructed of natural materials. One study examined the use of corn husk fiber (CHF)-polyester composites, finding that adding CHF to polyester composites improves the sound absorption properties while simultaneously making use of a waste product productively.

Other studies have examined the use of coir fiber and perforated plates in sound absorption panels in vehicles. When used in a car’s trunk and blended with cotton fiber, these coir panels were hugely successful in dampening outside noise. Both of these studies, and many others, have suggested that the use of organic materials in sound absorption panels is both feasible and cost-effective. Not only are these panels more affordable to construct, but they’re also less hazardous and more environmentally friendly than traditional sound absorption panels.

Comparison With Traditional Sound Absorption Methods

Standard sound-absorbing panels are made with glass fiber and mineral-based materials, both of which can be hazardous to the user’s health if damaged. Glass fibers, in particular, have been reported as a cause of cancer for both manufacturers and users with prolonged exposure. Glass fibers can be easily inhaled due to their size, and they can cause tumors in the lungs even at low concentrations.

In contrast to traditional materials, coir, the fibrous part of a coconut husk, is non-toxic and highly resistant to bacteria, fungus, and mold. When used in sound-absorbing panels, it offers no risk, even if the panel is damaged. And, while the processing method for coir is long, it is also generally safe for manufacturers because it requires little in the way of harsh chemicals.

Choosing Organic Products

While organic sound-absorbing panels are a relatively new addition to the market, replacing traditionally harmful products with more sustainable, eco-friendly options has been a trend for the past decade or so. If you can reduce the potential risk to yourself, your family, your employees, or your clients, why not do so? You’ll be encouraging the use of non-harmful materials and saving money at the same time. Because organic sound absorbing panels are constructed with waste products like coir, corn husk fibers, and rice paddy fibers, the materials are affordable and easy to obtain.

The benefits to the environment can’t be overlooked, either. These products were traditionally burned or left to decompose. By finding a new use for them, manufacturers are reducing waste and encouraging innovation.