The incorporation of acoustic materials in offices has been developing for decades, but technology does not stop and we are increasingly finding new systems that They muffle, isolate or cancel out noises generated in large, crowded spaces. While we've already covered this topic on several occasions, we'll review the materials, applications, and new developments on the market.

PET panels: the comprehensive acoustic solution

There is no doubt that ecopanels made with PET have become the sound absorbing material par excellence. PET is the abbreviation for polyethylene terephthalate, a type of plastic belonging to the polyester family. In fact, this was its origin, the polyester fabric, which was invented in England in 1941. Being a material thermoplastic, can be melted, molded and remolded several times without losing its main properties.

PET uses as raw material plastic bottles and polyester waste, which are washed, crushed, melted, and extruded to form fibers. These sheets are then pressed and molded to create acoustic panels, carpets, fabrics, or padding. In this process, no toxic chemical binders are added, making it a clean, safe and recyclable material again.

At Limobel Inwo we manufacture elements with recycled PET, such as our Acustic screens and dividers, with different absorption levels, which adapt to the needs of each space.

They feature a soft surface and ideal density to absorb medium and high-pitched sounds (such as conversations or keyboard clicks). They're lightweight, easy to install, and don't release particles or odors, making them ideal for healthy workspaces.

PET panels

One of Limobel Inwo's 2025 novelties are its elegant PET panels. Made of 100% recycled plastic fibers with a thickness of 12 mm of high absorbency, they are available in a wide range of colorsThe panels, measuring 2400x1200 mm, are available in four perforated designs (Scale, Cross, Gradient, and Rain). In addition to improving acoustics, they are designed to hang from the ceiling and creatively divide spaces.

Applications of sound-absorbing materials

Los PET ecopanels Recycled materials are extremely malleable, as they are manufactured in different thicknesses and densities. They can be bent, laser-cut, and dyed in a multitude of colors.

In addition to being 100% recyclable, low environmental impact and formaldehyde-free, the resulting product is very aesthetic and applicable to many decorative elements: they can be made ceilings in wavy sheets (very trendy), create screens of luminaires, lattices, mobile panels, plates separators… and even, upholster furniture and chairs.

Its good resistance to heat (up to 120 ºC), making it very suitable for offices and contract spaces, where very strict fire regulations apply. It also has qualities anti-humidity and repels oils and solvents.

Other materials with acoustic properties

In addition to the well-known PET absorbent panels, There are other materials that offer very interesting acoustic qualities, such as cork, the wool, plant fibers, And even Facilities, which in addition to purifying, absorb sound.

Also the OBS boards, tadjustable chip (or fiber) boards, obtained by applying pressure and heat to glued wood chips. It is an economical alternative to solid wood, which has insulating, fire-resistant and sound-absorbing properties, although the levels depend on wood with which it is manufactured.

Sound insulation and absorption

Although insulation and absorption are often used as synonyms, they are not the same. Materials with acoustic absorption (or sound absorbers) reduce reverberation (echo) within a space, improving the acoustic quality Interior, i.e., auditory comfort and speech clarity. They can be applied to walls, ceilings, furniture, panels, or screens, and this is where materials such as PET panels, foams, mineral wool, grooved wood, OBS, or cork come into play.

In turn, the isolation It creates a sealed compartment, preventing sound from entering or exiting a room. This creates total or partial insulation (depending on the material) from the outside, both physically and acoustically. This insulation is achieved by structural elements, such as enclosures, double walls, laminated glass, sealed joints or solid doors.

Do you know what “sound masking” is?

One of the most recent and effective innovations is the so-called “sound masking” (sound masking), which involves the controlled addition of background noise (usually a soft, uniform noise, similar to airflow) to hide or "mask" other sounds that may be annoying or distracting in an office. In other words, instead of eliminating noise, the sound environment is "filled" with a pleasant, neutral background that makes conversations or sporadic noises less noticeable.

En open offices, entrances or coworking spaces, the systems of sound masking make conversations between colleagues more difficult to understand from a distance. This protects the confidentiality of calls or meetings. In addition, background noise can generate a feeling of calm and reduce auditory stress, as proven by ergonomics and neuroacoustic studies.

How sound masking works

They installed small speakers (usually in the false ceiling or integrated into luminaires). A central processor controls the level, frequency, and distribution of the sound. The tones emitted are “pink noise” or “modified white noise”, designed to match the frequencies of human speech. In some advanced systems, there are sensors that adjust the volume according to the actual noise level or the occupancy of the space (more people, more background noise).

Los acoustic metamaterials They are artificially engineered materials (not found in nature) with special internal structures that allow them to control sound in ways that traditional materials cannot.

Instead of relying only on the type of material (such as wool, foam, or wood), these materials depend on their internal geometry, Often microscopic or with repetitive patterns, they can manipulate sound waves through structures called "resonant cells" or "microchannels," which reflect, absorb, or even direct sound. Metamaterials are revolutionizing industries, and as such, we will soon dedicate a more detailed report to them.

Photos: OfficeSnapShot