Zeitgeist
printed boards can enhance the mood and ambiance of any room. “In many cases, acoustic panels are added to spaces as an
Silence is golden
HEARD OF DECOVERB? IT’S THE UK DISTRIBUTOR FOR TEXFEL ACOUSTIC BOARDS, AND IT DESIGNS AND PRODUCES SOUND ABSORBING PRODUCTS - BOTH PRINTED AND UNPRINTED. THE COMPANY’S FOUNDER, NIGEL WEBSTER, BELIEVES NOW IS THE TIME TO SHOUT ABOUT THE SECTOR’S POTENTIAL.
Decoverb has only been around little over a year, but its founder Nigel Webster believes he’s found a profi table niche and is happy to make some noise about it. As he outlines: “The future of print companies will be defi ned by their ability to harmonise sustainability with aesthetics. They can leverage their existing equipment and expertise to create custom acoustic panels that meet a growing need and secure their place in an increasingly eco-conscious marketplace while delivering visually stunning products that resonate with consumers. “Acoustic panels can help create a quieter, more focused
offi ce environment. Designed to absorb sound and reduce echo, these panels enhance communication and concentration among employees, leading to a more productive atmosphere. As businesses increasingly prioritise employee wellbeing, the demand for acoustic solutions is on the rise. Printed felt PET sound absorbing panels can therefore be a great way for combining both function and aesthetics in one solution.” Webster continues: “Traditionally, acoustic panels have been more about function than form. However, printed PET boards allow designers to incorporate patterns, colours, and images that complement the interior design, elevating the overall aesthetic of the space. Whether it’s a vibrant splash of colour in a creative workspace or a stunning artist piece in a reception area, these
26 | October/November 2024
THE ABILITY TO CUT AND MANIPULATE THE PET ACOUSTIC SHEETS USING FLATBED CUTTERS PROVIDES A LEVEL OF CREATIVITY NOT YET
SEEN IN THE TRADITIONAL PRINT WORLD
afterthought, often clashing with the existing décor. By printing on PET sound absorbing boards, designers can ensure that these elements are integrated seamlessly into the overall design and graphics scheme. The ability to match the panels with wall fi nish colours, furniture, or architectural features means they blend in harmoniously, or stand out as a deliberate design choice.” Acoustic Felt PET in sheet form comes in various thicknesses ranging from the more common 9mm and 12mm up to 24mm. Manufactured using between either 60% and 80% recycled water bottles, they can be printed using dye-sublimation inks, with transfer paper and a fl atbed heat press, or direct to the sheet using UV or Latex inks. “The felt sheets, known for their versatility and ease of use, due to their lightweight construction, can be cut with remarkable precision using any fl atbed cutter or manually with retractable knives,” says Webster. “The sheets can also then be v-grooved to enable 90-degree returns, making perfect box canvas type prints without the need for expensive aluminium frame systems. The sheets can also be folded and bonded to make lightweight display stand, plinths, boxes or even props.
“The ability to cut and manipulate the PET acoustic sheets
using fl atbed cutters provides a level of creativity not yet seen in the traditional print world with conventional media. Using V-groove cutters combined with clever graphic design, printers are now able to create striking visual design with texture and depth like never before, picking out details with the cutting tools that would have otherwise been fl at and uninspiring. Whether it’s as simple as printing and V-grooving a logo, or something more imaginative like a cityscape mural.” Texfel acoustic panels from Fytisa, distributed in the UK
by Decoverb, are one of the few European suppliers of these materials, using raw materials sourced from Europe and manufactured in its factory near Barcelona, Spain. The company has been in the textile manufacturing business since 1841. Webster picks up: “In an industry increasingly dominated by Chinese imports that often come laden with enticing eco-friendly promises, Decoverb - with the Texfel acoustic panels - stands as a dedicated advocate for sustainability and environmental responsibility, offering one of the most sustainable acoustic products available on the market today. “Decoverb recognises the urgent need for architects, designers, and product specifi ers to address their environmental impact and the increasing pressure to meet regulations. Compliance is paramount, and with the Texfel sheets, not only do they have a high European fi re testing certifi cation, but they also comply with Reach and have Oeko-Tex certifi cation. They can further contribute to building rating assessment standards such as BREEAM, WELL and LEED V4. The sound absorbing products have been acoustically tested and can achieve ISO classifi cations from Class E to Class A, depending on mounting variations. “Texfel materials also have an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) in accordance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804. “By prioritising sustainability in both product choice, design and manufacturing processes, Decoverb aims to enable more in the market to benefi t from high-quality acoustic solutions that align with their growing objectives of eco-friendliness and social responsibility.”
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