PET Felt Panels vs Traditional Acoustic Panels: What Architects Should Know

Acoustic treatment is no longer just a performance requirement—it has become an integral part of architectural expression. Among today’s most commonly specified solutions are PET felt panels and traditional acoustic panels. While both address sound absorption, they differ significantly in material composition, aesthetics, installation, and use cases.

This guide outlines the key differences to help architects and designers select the right system for each project.

What Are PET Felt Acoustic Panels?

PET felt panels are manufactured from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET), often sourced from post-consumer plastic bottles. Through thermal bonding (rather than chemical binders), the material forms a dense yet porous structure capable of absorbing sound.

Key characteristics of PET felt panels include:

• Monolithic, finished surfaces without fabric wrapping

• CNC-cut flexibility for patterns, grooves, and custom geometries

• Moderate to high acoustic absorption depending on thickness and mounting method

• Strong sustainability credentials due to recycled content and recyclability

PET felt panels are commonly used in:

• Offices and workplaces

• Hospitality and retail interiors

• Educational and collaborative spaces

• Feature walls and ceilings where aesthetics matter as much as acoustics

What Are Traditional Acoustic Panels?

Traditional acoustic panels typically consist of a fiberglass or mineral wool core, wrapped in an acoustically transparent fabric and mounted on walls or ceilings. These systems have been used for decades and remain a benchmark for acoustic performance.

Key characteristics of traditional acoustic panels include:

• High and predictable sound absorption (often NRC 0.85–1.00)

• Broad availability of tested performance data

• Fabric finish options with replaceable coverings

• Proven use in performance-critical environments

They are commonly specified for:

• Auditoriums and theaters

• Recording studios and broadcast rooms

• Conference rooms with strict acoustic targets

• Education and healthcare environments requiring tested assemblies

Key Differences at a Glance

• Material Composition
  PET Felt Panels: Manufactured from recycled PET fibers, forming a dense yet porous felt structure without the need for additional fabric wrapping.
  Traditional Acoustic Panels: Typically consist of fiberglass or mineral wool cores wrapped in acoustically transparent fabric.

• Surface Finish & Appearance
  PET Felt Panels: Offer an integrated, monolithic surface with consistent color and texture. Panels can be CNC-cut into patterns, grooves, or custom shapes.
  Traditional Acoustic Panels: Finished with fabric coverings that define the visual appearance and can be changed independently of the core.

• Acoustic Performance
  PET Felt Panels: Provide moderate to high sound absorption depending on thickness, panel spacing, and mounting method. Performance is assembly-dependent.
  Traditional Acoustic Panels: Deliver high and predictable sound absorption, often achieving higher NRC values in standard tested assemblies.

• Installation & Handling
  PET Felt Panels: Lightweight and clean to install, with minimal dust and faster on-site handling.
  Traditional Acoustic Panels: Heavier and more labor-intensive, often requiring careful handling of fiberglass or mineral wool cores.

• Durability & Maintenance
  PET Felt Panels: Highly durable, impact-resistant, and less prone to visible wear, making them suitable for high-traffic environments.
  Traditional Acoustic Panels: Fabric surfaces may show wear over time and can require replacement or maintenance.

• Sustainability Considerations
  PET Felt Panels: Typically contain high recycled content and are recyclable, aligning well with sustainability-driven specifications.
  Traditional Acoustic Panels: Sustainability varies by manufacturer and material composition.When PET Felt Panels Make Sense

PET felt panels are well suited for projects where design integration, speed, and durability are priorities. They work especially well when acoustic treatment needs to visually blend with architectural surfaces rather than read as an applied system.

Typical scenarios include:

• Design-forward commercial interiors

• Open offices and collaboration spaces

• Hospitality projects emphasizing texture and warmth

• Fast-track projects where clean installation matters

• Sustainability-driven specifications

When paired with appropriate thickness, spacing, or backing cavities, PET felt panels can achieve meaningful acoustic improvement while maintaining a refined architectural appearance.

When Traditional Acoustic Panels Are the Better Choice

Traditional acoustic panels remain the preferred solution when maximum sound absorption and predictability are critical.

They are often the right choice for:

• Performance and broadcast environments

• Spaces requiring very high NRC values

• Projects with strict acoustic consultant specifications

• Retrofits where tested assemblies are required

In these cases, the acoustic function outweighs aesthetic integration, and fabric-wrapped systems provide reliable results.

How Architects Should Specify PET Felt Panels

When specifying PET felt panels, it is important to treat them as architectural systems, not just decorative finishes. Key considerations include:

• Panel thickness (commonly 9–24 mm depending on performance goals)

• Mounting method (direct mount, air gap, or backing substrate)

• Fire performance (verify applicable ASTM or local code requirements)

• Panel size and jointing strategy

• Substrate conditions and tolerances

Engaging manufacturers early helps align acoustic expectations with design intent and installation constraints.

Conclusion

PET felt panels and traditional acoustic panels both play important roles in contemporary interior architecture. The right choice depends on the balance between acoustic performance, visual intent, installation constraints, and sustainability goals.

For many commercial interiors, PET felt panels offer a compelling alternative—providing acoustic control while acting as a finished architectural surface. For performance-critical spaces, traditional acoustic panels remain the benchmark.

Understanding the strengths of each system allows architects to specify with confidence and clarity.