Noise dampening luminaire is made from plastic bottles

Glamox has unveiled a noise-dampening luminaire with an external fibre coating made largely from recycled PET plastic bottles.

The FX Silence suspended luminaires are aimed at transforming noisy open-plan workspaces and classrooms.

The secret to their noise-dampening properties is a unique acoustic sandwich construction.

The lights are made using a fire-resistant acoustic sandwich comprising two 9mm outer layers of compacted recycled fibres which are odourless and non-toxic, and don’t create dust. The interior of the luminaire is filled with rock wool. Together they work to absorb sound.

The luminaires can be connected and wirelessly controlled and versions can incorporate presence and daylight sensors to further help reduce energy use.

Versions are also available that feature tuneable light sources that can mimic natural daylight conditions for human-centric lighting applications. The luminaires are available in a grey and black finish, along with a further eight custom colours.

Glamox says that the negative effects of noise on human health, well-being, and productivity are well understood. Too much noise, too often, can impact stress levels leading to spikes in heart rate and blood pressure. In a survey, 60 per cent of office workers reported that they had experienced difficulties concentrating and had delivered poor-quality work due to loud workspaces.

The primary causes for preventing people from working effectively are colleagues talking to each other followed by people on phone calls. Once disturbed, it takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to get back to the task.

‘Our acoustic luminaires have been specifically designed to dampen down sound and proved to be effective during independent laboratory testing at AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, Poland,’ Andreas Wendestam, manager of product management for Glamox’s Professional Building Solutions Division told the Circular Lighting Report.

‘The new luminaires meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly products that support health and well-being in offices and public buildings. What’s more, around 75 per cent of the soundproofing fibres on the exterior of the panels are made from recycled plastic bottles.’

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