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A Sustainable and Healthy Soundproofing Alternative: PVC-Free Acoustic Solutions for Interior Spaces
Everywhere you look, polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, commonly known as vinyl, plays a prominent role. From packaging to automotive components, children's toys to medical supplies, it's pervasive. This year, global PVC production surpassed 51 million metric tons, cementing its position as the third most-produced plastic globally. In sectors like architecture, engineering, and construction, PVC dominates, accounting for 60-70% of total consumption. Its popularity stems from its durability, versatility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of maintenance. However, with its widespread use comes consequences.
Unlike many other plastics, PVC contains chlorine, resulting in environmental and human health risks throughout its lifecycle. From the emission of harmful chemicals like dioxins during production and disposal to additives such as phthalates and lead, PVC poses various health hazards, from respiratory issues to potential carcinogenicity. Moreover, its non-biodegradable nature exacerbates pollution, contributing to air, water, and soil contamination. Recognizing these risks, the transition towards PVC-free environments gains momentum, driven by a commitment to healthier and more eco-friendly architecture.
In essence, PVC-free spaces offer benefits like improved indoor air quality, reduced health risks, environmental sustainability, and compliance with stringent building regulations. Architects play a crucial role in achieving these goals by specifying alternative materials and building elements that replace PVC. For example, opting for cast iron or copper pipes, cork or rubber flooring, stainless steel or bio-based polymers for wall protection, and aluminum or wood for window frames. In the realm of acoustic solutions, where PVC profiles traditionally dominate, innovative alternatives like GeoTRAK® by FabriTRAK Systems Inc. provide promising alternatives.
What Is GeoTRAK® and How Does It Work?
In architectural design, consideration isn't just given to what users will see and feel but also what they will hear. Excessive noise can transform spaces into sources of distraction and discomfort, diminishing their appeal. GeoTRAK® addresses the need for eco-friendly, acoustically sound environments. Comprising PVC-free trak, sustainable infill, and fabric, it offers a seamless, customizable solution.
Selecting a trak profile: GeoTRAK® offers various profiles for different applications, equipped with fabric-receiving jaws to hold the fabric securely.
Adding an infill: TerraCORE® Poly infill, made from recyclable acoustic sound absorption material, replaces traditional fiberglass, offering an eco-friendly, VOC-free solution.
Choosing a fabric: With a range of fabric options, including FabriSPAN® and FabriPRINT™ collections, GeoTRAK® can be tailored to suit diverse interior aesthetics.
Onsite installation: Installed onsite for a custom fit, GeoTRAK® ensures precision and adaptability to different spaces.
The result is a recyclable, LEED v4 compliant, DECLARE certified structure that absorbs sound, eliminates reflections, and reverberations. Characterized by durability, fire resistance, and versatility, GeoTRAK® profiles can be applied to various surfaces, making them suitable for educational, commercial, healthcare, and residential settings.
Advocating for PVC-Free Environments
As awareness grows regarding the environmental and health-related impacts of PVC, alternatives like GeoTRAK® emerge as solutions. Beyond meeting acoustic standards, GeoTRAK® promotes high functionality and performance while encouraging PVC-free interiors. Such innovative solutions reduce reliance on harmful materials, addressing the need for eco-friendly substitutes and setting a precedent for conscious architectural practices.