Mermet, manufacturer of fibreglass technical textiles and inventor of the solar protection market, has launched a new decorative acoustic absorption material, Acoustis 50.

Acoustis 50 is claimed to be the first solution made of special-weave controlled-diameter coated fibreglass, and is the only material that doesn't require any additions (foam, coating, etc). This weave has its own special patent and is the first to offer fabric such a high level of acoustic absorption. It is the first fabric that provides simultaneously: acoustics: it absorbs sound waves without the need to add any fibrous materials thanks to the fabric's perfect porosity; immediate decorative use: thanks to the range of colours and the fact that it can be printed upon.

It offers several advantages: 

• the fabric is aerated: there is no thermal resistance, which guarantees a healthy atmosphere even in humid surroundings.
• It also provides for better ventilation when applied as a screen,
• unlike rock wool it is non fibrous, which means there is no risk of inhalation,
• it is easy to install, transport and stock, due to its thinness and light weight,
• its excellent mechanical resistance means it can withstand tension,
• the fabric can be welded together, and therefore be used for large scale projects,
• the absorbent agent used is totally visible, thus avoiding all risk
• of concealed deterioration and guaranteeing greater durability,
• very hygienic, as it can be washed and dusted.

Good-looking and printable, lightweight, with perfect dimensional stability, Acoustis 50 offers real advantages on a market where acoustic solutions are often complicated to apply. It can be used as a tensile panel, frame-stretched, spinnaker or velum panel applications and has a number of functions: interior layout, solar protection, light management, etc.

Especially designed for use in noisy buildings where the sound level needs to be restricted in order to enhance communication, Acoustis 50 significantly reduces acoustic reverberation.

Acoustic absorption (not to be confused with insulation) reduces the reflection of sound waves; absorbent materials let sound through but reduce its vibrations and therefore strength.

With M1 fire-resistance classification, Acoustis 50 is particularly suitable for places open to the public such as tertiary-sector buildings (open space offices, meeting rooms, etc), public-sector buildings (swimming pools, sports halls, amphitheatres), hotels, restaurants, cafeterias, concert halls, theatres, museums, cinemas, etc. and transport hubs (stations, airports, etc).
Labelled Oekotex Standard 100, Acoustis 50 contains no chemicals or toxic substances harmful to the health and safety of users.

Acoustis 50 is available in 12 colours and can be used for both walls and ceilings. It respects criteria defined by the French HQE (high environmental quality) standard (Category 3 Target 9 Acoustic comfort) and is guaranteed for five years. It has already won over acousticians and has been chosen for large-scale productions in the form of tensile frame-stretched structures for the open space offices and auditorium of Credit Suisse in Paris, flags around the headquarters of the European Commission and for skylights and roll-up blinds for the Serono laboratory in Geneva.