From Pioneer to Manufacturer

In-house Material Development and Innovation

From a specialist in acoustic spray coating to a manufacturer of its own materials. That’s the evolution AcoustIQ showcased at Architect@Work. Thanks to its own production line, the company controls the entire supply chain and can develop new materials more quickly and bring innovations to market faster.

The foundation for this was laid by Dick van der Woude, who, through Sprayplan, began experimenting with cellulose as an acoustic material early on. He was one of the pioneers of acoustic spray coating in the Netherlands. In 2019, Rob van Beek joined as director and co-shareholder. A year later, AcoustIQ became an independent company. “Dick was way ahead of his time. He recognized early on that cellulose could be used for more purposes than just as insulation. He laid the foundation for the acoustic spraying techniques we use today.”

In-House Production

A key step was the investment in its own production line. Paper is purchased by color, then pulped at the company’s own factory and processed into acoustic spray material. This allows AcoustIQ to control the entire process, from raw material to on-site application. “We are the only company in Europe that both manufactures and installs the material ourselves. This allows us to develop new materials more quickly and monitor quality throughout the entire process.”

The company’s own production facility also allows for customization. For larger projects, custom colors are available, ensuring that the acoustic finish perfectly complements the interior design. The manufacturing process has also been further optimized in recent years. Thanks to the patented spraying technique, water consumption during spraying is reduced by approximately 40 percent compared to conventional methods. The system also achieves an MKI value of approximately 12 eurocents, a factor that, according to Van Beek, is becoming increasingly important in material selection.

The Architect as a Discussion Partner

The director explains that acoustics is being incorporated earlier and earlier in the design process. “In the past, we were often only called in after a building had been fully furnished and the acoustics turned out to be disappointing. Now, architects are increasingly considering acoustics as early as the design phase. This allows for much better decisions to be made while keeping the architecture intact.”

That development made Architect@Work a logical venue for AcoustIQ. “It’s a very targeted event that attracts architects who are genuinely interested in new materials and innovative solutions.”

At the event, the company presented Sprayplan Colors, an acoustic material available in a variety of new colors, which is made, among other things, from waste streams of cardboard and newsprint. In addition, AcoustIQ is constantly innovating and looking for other waste streams to convert into fiber and use in its acoustic ceilings. “Customers appreciate that we continue to seek out new applications for waste streams. We want not only to develop better materials but also to use raw materials more efficiently.”