Noise pollution in urban environments is a growing hazard to public health, causing chronic annoyance, sleep disturbance, severe heart diseases, metabolic disorders, hearing impairment, and poorer mental health.
With 12,000 premature deaths annually in the EU and one in five citizens affected, the need for effective acoustic solutions is critical. (source: UN Environment Programme (UNEP) study: Frontiers 2022: Noise, Blazes and Mismatches, February 2022)
Many cities worldwide surpass acceptable noise levels, impacting vulnerable groups such as the very young, elderly, and communities living near high traffic and industrial areas. Additionally, noise pollution threatens animals by altering their communication and behavior. Interior designers and product development teams must prioritize sustainable and innovative acoustic solutions that reduce noise and create positive soundscapes.
The COVID-19 lockdowns highlighted the benefits of reduced urban traffic noise and increased green and healthy spaces, presenting an opportunity to enhance urban environments and living spaces through thoughtful design and effective noise management.
The Benefits of Using Woodfibre Softboard in Acoustic Panels and Separation Walls
In the pursuit of high-performance, sustainable interior solutions, woodfibre softboard is rapidly becoming the go-to material for acoustic panels and interior solutions. Companies like TK-Team, an industry pioneer and expert in acoustic and visual presentation solutions, among many others, known for their innovative soundproofing and interior products, utilize this versatile material to create eco-friendly, efficient solutions that meet future environmental needs. Woodfibre softboard, as a core material in interior applications, offers a wide range of benefits that enhance performance while promoting sustainability and a healthy living environment.
Source: TK Team references
Health and Safety: Formaldehyde-Free Materials
The health risks associated with formaldehyde-based materials have become a growing concern in modern interior design. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has highlighted the potential health risks of formaldehyde exposure, which can cause respiratory problems, eye irritation and other adverse effects (source: EPA Finalizes TSCA Risk Evaluation for Formaldehyde, detsember 2024).
Nordic Fibreboard ISOplaat fibreboards are produced using wet production technology. Thanks to this special technology, there is no need to add glues or binding agents. ISOplaat boards have been tested by FURNITEST laboratory in Lithuania, which specializes in testing the quality and formaldehyde of furniture and interior solutions. The formaldehyde emission test result is 0.009 ppm (parts per million in air). What does this show?
The result of 0.009 ppm is significantly below the European standard E1 (<0.1 ppm), which means that Nordic Fibreboard ISOplaat softboard has an extremely low formaldehyde emission and is safe for indoor air. The achieved level can be considered practically non-existent compared to other wood-based board materials (e.g. MDF or OSB), which contain glues and other synthetic binder agents.
Source: TK Team references
Carbon Negative and Reduced Footprint
One of the most significant advantages of woodfibre softboard is its carbon-negative nature. The Construction Material Pyramid from CINARK at the Royal Danish Academy allows for the comparison of CO2 footprints and other environmental impacts across different building materials (source: The Construction Material Pyramid from CINARK).
Based on their research, the process of producing woodfibre softboard actually captures more carbon than is emitted during production, making it a highly sustainable material that helps offset the carbon footprint of construction projects. This is a critical feature for companies looking to reduce the environmental impact of their products.
By incorporating woodfibre softboards into their product designs, producers can contribute to lowering the overall carbon footprint of their products, creating more sustainable building solutions.
Superior Acoustic Performance
Woodfibre softboards, thanks to its excellent sound-absorbing properties, makes it an ideal core material for acoustic and soundproofing products like panels, pods and partition walls. The porous structure of fiberboards helps reduce noise levels, creating a more comfortable and productive environment in homes, educational institutions, offices, meeting rooms and entertainment venues.
Source: TK Team references
Versatility and Durability
In addition to its superior acoustic performance, Nordic Fibreboard ISOplaat softboards are versatile, durable and lightweight (240kg/m3). The technical charecteristics makes ISOplaat softboards an easy choise to integrate into a variety of interior applications such as wall panels, ceiling tiles, silent pods, mobile acoustic panels and partition walls. This flexibility, combined with its long-lasting durability, ensures that woodfibre softboards continues to perform well over time, providing both acoustic and thermal insulation benefits. Due to its porous structure, fiberboard is a naturally breathable material, which also helps stabilize the humidity in the room.
Source: TK Team references
Conclusion
Nordic Fibreboard ISOplaat wood fibreboard is a smart and sustainable choice as core material for the production of wall and ceiling panels, sound-absorbing screens, mobile acoustic panels and partition walls and screens. The formaldehyde-free nature of chemical free softboards, its carbon-negative properties, excellent sound absorption, lightness and durability make it an exceptional material that supports both environmental and health-conscious goals. By integrating Nordic Fibreboard materials into their product designs, manufacturers will create safer and healthier indoor spaces, reduce their carbon footprint and provide high-quality interior solutions designed for future urbanization.
About Nordic Fibreboard
Since beginning of 2024 Nordic Fibreboard, under new ownership, is looking to position itself as a partner to companies around the world in the building and industrial packaging sectors.
We are a solutions provider offering sustainable, re-usable and healthy materials based on timber-based fiber as an alternative to commonly used non-sustainable and often unhealthy materials. With an annual production capacity of 120,000 m³, we are one of Northern Europe’s leading woodfibre board manufacturers.
For more information, visit: Home – Nordic Fibreboard
About TK Team
TK-Team is an expert in acoustic products, writing and message boards and interactive touch screens. TK-Team Oy Ab is a company founded in Finland in 1972. Since then, the company has been a pioneer in the acoustic and visual presentation solutions sector. TK Team operates in more than 20 countries through subsidiaries. In 2007, they established a subsidiary in the UK, TK-Team Ltd.
For more information, visit: You design – we make it happen
SOURCES
Frontiers 2022: Noise, Blazes and Mismatches
THE CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS PYRAMID – Interreg Central Europe
EPA Finalizes TSCA Risk Evaluation for Formaldehyde | US EPA
For more information, contact us:
Kristjan Erm
Director of Business Development
+372 524 4333
kristjan.erm@nordicfibreboard.com
EE / FI / EN