Reishi-Grown Panels for Natural Acoustic Harmony
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In 2020, the EU generated approximately 2.15 billion tonnes of waste. A significant portion originates from key industrial and agricultural sectors, creating a major environmental challenge and an opportunity for circular innovation.
Focus Area 1: Construction
This is the largest waste stream in the EU, accounting for 37.5% of the total. It underscores a critical need for sustainable and recyclable building materials.
Focus Area 2: Manufacturing
Responsible for 10.7% of all waste, this sector presents a clear opportunity to implement circular economy principles by redesigning products and repurposing industrial byproducts.
Focus Area 3: Agriculture, Forestry & Fishing
While smaller at 1.4%, this sector produces vast amounts of organic byproducts that are often underutilized, offering a prime resource for bio-fabrication.
REVITALIZE USED-CORK STOPPERS
A recent pilot program by the Institut Català del Suro provides a compelling case study for the viability of a local circular economy. Conducted over a three-month period in the Catalan municipalities of Cassà de la Selva and Palafrugell, the initiative successfully recovered over 31,750 used cork stoppers (173.45 kg). This achievement is significant not just for the volume of material diverted from the waste stream, but for its practical demonstration of how post-consumer products can be effectively reclaimed as a high-quality raw material. The success of this test validates a supply chain model that directly supports the MycoAcoustics project. The granulated cork serving as the project’s main material is supplied by the Institut Català del Suro, showcasing a direct partnership built on these principles of local sourcing and sustainability.
ACOUSTICS PROPERTIES OF CORK
The suitability of cork as an acoustic material stems from its unique cellular structure, which consists of millions of tiny,air-filled cells. This natural composition makes it an excellent porous absorber, particularly effective at dissipating sound energy in the medium to high-frequency ranges (400-4000 Hz). This performance profile is ideal for environments like lecture halls, classrooms, and offices, as it directly targets the critical frequency range for human speech intelligibility,ensuring clarity and reducing echo.
While standard cork is naturally less effective at absorbing low frequencies, its performance can be significantly enhanced through intelligent design. As demonstrated in the provided acoustic tests, incorporating an air gap behind a cork panel dramatically boosts its sound absorption coefficient, particularly in the lower-mid frequencies. This technique allows for superior performance without increasing the panel’s thickness or weight, offering a more efficient and lightweight material solution.
(Left) Mechanical and acoustical evaluation of bio-based composites made of cork granulates for acoustic ceiling tiles
R. Maderuelo-Sanz, F.J. García-Cobos, F.J. Sánchez-Delgado, J.M. Meneses-Rodríguez, M.I. Mota-López
(Right) Experimental Survey of the Sound Absorption Performance of Natural Fibres in Comparison with Conventional Insulating Materials by Gumanová, Veronika; Sobotová, Lýdia; Dzuro, Tibor; Badida, Miroslav; Moravec, Marek. Sustainability; Basel Vol. 14, Iss. 7, (2022)
Cork is best at low frequencies.
Sawdust is best at high frequencies.
The Composite is a versatile all-rounder.
