Material choices: using recycled PET in interiors

Start with the material information

A material decision brings function, appearance and documentation together. For an acoustic interior, ask what the product does, how it is made and which claims are supported for the specified version.

Use evidence for the selected product when assessing its composition and intended use.

Phonitura uses Archiphonic PET acoustic felt in panels, ceiling elements and luminaires.

These products introduce sound-absorbing surfaces into an interior. Any statement about recycled content or environmental impact should have a clear documented basis.

An acoustic function for PET felt

The porous fibre structure absorbs part of the sound energy that reaches it, helping to control reflections within the room.

Archiphonic is PET-based acoustic felt. Its exact composition should be checked in the material documentation for the selected product.

A general PET recycling process involves:

1. Collection and preparation

Collected PET is sorted, cleaned and prepared as feedstock for further processing.

2. Transformation

The prepared polymer is processed into fibres that can be formed into felt.

3. A new purpose

The resulting acoustic sheet can be cut and formed into interior elements, with the construction selected for the product.

Make claims traceable

Environmental statements need a defined scope and supporting documentation.

Use a documented recycled-content value for the material being supplied. Bottle equivalents also need a stated mass, unit and calculation basis.

Avoid extrapolating from an undocumented figure to a whole project.

Assess the material claim separately from the product’s acoustic function. Neither one establishes the other.

Specify the complete product

Bring acoustic performance, visual form and material information into the same specification.

Material: confirm the composition and available environmental documentation.

Acoustics: review absorption data for the selected construction and mounting.

Interior: coordinate colour, texture and form with the surrounding finishes.

Also consider installation, care and the intended service conditions of the product.

A considered material choice is one that can be explained using the project brief and the applicable evidence.

Discuss Archiphonic for your project