How effective is PET acoustic fibre panel at reducing echo in open plan offices
2026-05-26
Open plan offices are designed to foster collaboration, but they often come with a hidden downside: excessive noise and reverberation. PET Acoustic Fibre Panel has emerged as a leading solution for this challenge. At Soundbetter, we have tested and installed thousands of PET Acoustic Fibre Panel systems, and the evidence is clear—these panels significantly reduce echo when applied correctly.
The science behind echo reduction
Echo in open plan offices occurs when sound waves bounce off hard surfaces like glass, concrete, and drywall. PET Acoustic Fibre Panel works by converting sound energy into minute amounts of heat through its porous, fibrous structure. The material’s open-cell design traps air and dissipates sound waves, effectively lowering reverberation time (RT60). Independent laboratory tests show that a properly installed PET Acoustic Fibre Panel can reduce RT60 by up to 65% in mid to high frequencies, which are the primary sources of speech distraction.
Performance comparison: PET Acoustic Fibre Panel vs untreated surfaces
| Office Condition | Reverberation Time (RT60 seconds) | Speech Intelligibility | Perceived Noise Distraction |
|---|---|---|---|
| No treatment (hard walls/ceilings) | 0.8 - 1.2 | Poor | High |
| With PET Acoustic Fibre Panel (30% coverage) | 0.4 - 0.6 | Good | Low |
| With standard foam panels | 0.5 - 0.7 | Moderate | Moderate |
The table above demonstrates that PET Acoustic Fibre Panel consistently outperforms untreated spaces and offers measurable improvements over basic foam alternatives.
Key factors that influence effectiveness
| Factor | Impact on echo reduction |
|---|---|
| Panel thickness (9mm or 12mm) | Thicker panels absorb lower frequency echoes better |
| Coverage area (% of wall/ceiling) | Minimum 30% coverage required for noticeable effect |
| Air gap behind panel | 20-50mm air gap increases absorption by up to 30% |
| Placement (near noise sources) | Panels near workstations reduce direct echo paths |
PET Acoustic Fibre Panel FAQ
What is the minimum thickness of PET Acoustic Fibre Panel needed to reduce office echo effectively?
For open plan offices, a minimum thickness of 9mm is recommended for noticeable echo reduction, but 12mm panels provide superior absorption of mid-range frequencies such as human speech. Thinner panels (under 6mm) are only suitable for flutter echoes in small rooms, not for open spaces. For the best results with Soundbetter installations, we always suggest 12mm panels paired with a 20mm air gap behind them.
How much of my office ceiling or wall area needs to be covered with PET Acoustic Fibre Panel to achieve a quiet environment?
To achieve a significant reduction in echo, cover at least 30 to 40 percent of the total ceiling or upper wall area. In open plan offices, distributed coverage works better than concentrating all panels in one zone. For example, if your office has 100 square meters of ceiling space, installing PET Acoustic Fibre Panel over 30 to 40 square meters—evenly spaced—will lower reverberation time from above 0.8 seconds to around 0.5 seconds, which is considered good for speech privacy.
Can PET Acoustic Fibre Panel be installed on both walls and ceilings to reduce echo, and which is more effective?
Yes, it can be installed on both surfaces, but ceiling installation is generally more effective in open plan offices because ceilings have fewer obstructions and are closer to the primary sound sources (people speaking at desks). Wall panels are excellent for treating first reflections near breakout areas or printer zones. For optimal results, Soundbetter recommends a combination: 70 percent of your panel area on the ceiling and 30 percent on key wall zones. This hybrid approach reduces echo by an additional 20 percent compared to ceiling-only installations.
Why Soundbetter trusts PET Acoustic Fibre Panel
Beyond echo reduction, PET Acoustic Fibre Panel is fire-rated (Class A or B-s1,d0), contains no irritant fibers like fiberglass, and is made from recycled plastic bottles. It maintains acoustic performance even in humid conditions, which is common in large offices with variable HVAC systems. Soundbetter has deployed over 50,000 square meters of PET Acoustic Fibre Panel across commercial projects, consistently achieving client-reported noise reduction scores of 8 out of 10 or higher.
Take the next step
Ready to transform your noisy open plan office into a focused, productive workspace Contact us today at Soundbetter for a free acoustic assessment and custom placement plan tailored to your office layout.
