In the search for sustainable materials that not only reduce environmental impact but also provide functionality, recycled PET has gained traction in sectors such as construction, interior design, and lighting. Today, recycled PET is not only used in packaging or textiles; it has also become a versatile and efficient resource for creating acoustic panels that enhance the experience in indoor spaces.
What is Recycled PET?
Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is a plastic widely known for its durability and strength. Traditionally used in packaging, bottles, and textiles, recycled PET is produced from discarded products that undergo a recycling process. The resulting material retains the rigidity and strength of the original PET but is adapted to create opaque acoustic panels with various textures.
Benefits of Recycled PET in Acoustic Panels
· Sustainability: Using recycled PET in acoustic panels helps reduce the dependence on new materials and decreases environmental impact. This material comes from plastic waste, promoting the circular economy by giving waste a second life.
· Acoustic Control: Thanks to its structure, recycled PET absorbs and disperses sound, reducing echoes and reverberations. This makes it an excellent ally in creating acoustically comfortable environments, improving sound quality in crowded spaces.
· Strength and Durability: Recycled PET in the form of panels is resistant to wear, impact, and frequent use. Its rigidity allows the panels to be structurally stable, making them suitable for use in lighting fixtures or decorative structures.
· Design Versatility: Available in a variety of colors and textures, recycled PET allows designers and architects to adapt it to the aesthetic needs of the space. This means it is not only functional but also visually appealing.
Applications of Recycled PET in Acoustic Panels
· Open offices: In workspaces, where noise can be a distraction, these panels help reduce echo and improve productivity by creating a controlled sound environment.
· Restaurants and hotels: In high-traffic areas, recycled PET panels help create a calm and pleasant atmosphere for customers.
· Conference rooms and educational spaces: These panels allow presentations and meetings to take place without noise interference, facilitating communication and concentration.
Kuska
Designed in collaboration with Singular Lighting, Kuska combines aesthetics and environmental responsibility. Each piece reflects a commitment to the environment by using recycled materials such as PET and sustainable designs, offering a responsible option for professionals seeking innovative design solutions.
Example of Innovation: Collaboration with Intercrea UJI
A notable example of the use of recycled PET in lighting design is the collaboration between Onok Lighting and Intercrea UJI. In this project, innovative lighting fixtures with recycled PET panels that also serve an acoustic function were developed. These pieces were showcased at Hábitat Valencia 2024, where they stood out for their aesthetics as well as their contribution to sustainability and acoustic control in indoor spaces.
Kuska: Lighting Fixture with Recycled PET Acoustic Panels
At Onok Lighting, we have also incorporated recycled PET into our Kuska lighting fixture. The acoustic panels that form Kuska’s structure not only provide a modern and elegant design, but also enhance the acoustics of the environment, making it perfect for offices, hotels, and commercial spaces. Kuska is available on our website, where you can explore its features and discover how this fixture can transform your spaces, offering both aesthetics and acoustic functionality.