With the market for wall panels growing, Lidia Cetrangolo of Multipanel explains why wall panels can be the sustainable option for bathrooms.
Wall panels have been around for decades, traditionally used as an alternative to tiles in bathrooms. Thanks to modern innovation and design, today’s wall panels are high-performing products, and have become a considered choice for bathroom projects, rather than simply an alternative.
The benefits of wall panels are extensive – a good wall panel will save time on installation (up to 21 hours), providing a watertight interlocking joint which removes the need for messy and time-consuming grouting. Modern wall panels also offer a range of aesthetic and trend-led styles to suit every homeowner’s taste.
One of the key benefits of wall panels, however, is that they are a sustainable option for housebuilders, developers and customers. Sustainability is a priority for every housebuilder and developer, and customers will more often than not, want assurance that their home is being built in the most environmentally friendly way possible.Â
While ensuring that the development and building of homes are completed with as much consideration to the environment as possible, there are some easy alternatives that can be considered to increase sustainability in developments; including wall panels.Â
MADE FROM SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS Â
Many wall panels are made from materials such as plywood, timber or MDF. Opting for a wall panel that uses sustainably sourced materials will ensure that your bathroom project is as environmentally friendly as possible. Most manufacturers of wall panels that use sustainably sourced materials will have their certifications listed, making it easy to opt for wall panels that meet their sustainability goals.
One of the main certifications to look out for is the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC(R)) emblem. The Forestry Stewardship Council is an international, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world’s forests. FSC’s certification system, which is the world’s most respected and widespread forest certification, enables both businesses and consumers to choose wood, paper and other forest-produced materials that support responsible forestry.Â
LONG SHELF-LIFEÂ
Another advantage of using bathroom wall panels is that they stand the test of time, lasting up to 30 years while maintaining a high-performing, watertight surface that doesn’t require maintenance and re-grouting.Â
The fact that bathroom wall panels have such a long shelf-life means that housebuilders and developers can be sure that they are opting for a sustainable, long-lasting material for their next bathroom installations, reassuring their customers that they won’t need to be replaced.
RECYCLABLE
Many wall panels will be able to be recycled after they are no longer needed. Although, as mentioned above, wall panels last up to 30 years, meaning tastes may change, and homeowners may want to renovate their bathroom.
At this point, many materials that are used in housebuilding may go to a landfill.
Wall panels have an advantage in that they can be recycled, giving them a new lease of life after they are no longer needed. A good wall panel manufacturer will ensure that 100% of its wall panels are recyclable. Additionally, many wall panel manufacturers recycle 99% of post-production waste into Biomass materials and other products – reducing landfill and contributing to the circular economy.
MADE IN BRITAIN
Choosing wall panels that are made in Britain (even better if they are Made in Britain certified) is a great way to increase sustainability for your next bathroom project. Being manufactured in Britain means that the wall panels have had a shorter journey to get from the site of their production to their final destination, meaning less carbon dioxide has been produced.
In a time of such uncertainty within the global landscape, choosing products that have been made more locally also provides additional security in terms of supply chain issues, and will often mean completion times are further reduced with a faster turnaround.Â
Products that are made in the UK generally have a higher level of transparency over the production process and are considered to have been produced at a high level of quality. Therefore, wall panels made in Britain provide quality assurance as well as increased sustainability in comparison with imported products.
Lidia Cetrangolo is marketing manager of Multipanel