From the Ground, Back to the Ground: Muffle’s Mission to Redefine Acoustic Design Through Sustainability
—
In the age of climate urgency, the conversation around acoustic design has evolved. No longer is it just about sound absorption and reverberation control—it’s about responsibility. At Muffle, we’ve embraced the challenge of ensuring our solutions not only sound good but do good. That means taking a radical, honest look at how acoustic materials are sourced, manufactured, used, and, crucially, what happens after their life cycle ends.
Cradle to Grave—and Back Again
Traditional acoustic materials, even those with some recycled content, often end up in landfill at the end of their useful life. This is a growing concern. Many products labelled “recyclable” are not readily recycled, due to material complexity or lack of access to specialised recycling facilities. These are the hidden truths of our industry.
Muffle is on a mission to change that.
We are now actively investing in and launching a new wave of fully biodegradable, circular economy-driven acoustic products made from natural, regenerative materials. These are not just alternatives—they are the future of interior design and construction.
Introducing the Next Generation of Green Acoustic Materials
We’re proud to explore and source cutting-edge, natural materials that are:
- Renewable
- Non-toxic
- Biodegradable
- Carbon-negative or neutral
Materials Leading the Charge:
Hemp
A fast-growing plant requiring minimal water and no pesticides. Hemp fibres provide excellent thermal and acoustic insulation. Once used, it can biodegrade fully—returning nutrients to the soil.
Mycelium
The root structure of fungi. It can be grown into acoustic tiles or panels, offering both sound absorption and stunning natural textures. Fully compostable.
Seaweed
Naturally fire-resistant and antimicrobial, seaweed-based insulation and panel products are gaining traction for their durability and moisture regulation capabilities.
Pineapple Leaf Fibre (Piñatex)
An agricultural byproduct, Piñatex is already used in fashion and is now being adapted into decorative acoustic solutions—flexible, lightweight, and vegan-friendly.
Coconut Coir
With its coarse texture, coconut fibre is naturally sound-absorbent and moisture-resistant, making it ideal for high-humidity spaces.
Kenaf, Jute, Flax, Wool, Recycled Denim
These are just a few other fibres being developed into acoustic panels, baffles, and felts with promising eco-credentials and performance data.
Our research never stops. We are in constant dialogue with manufacturers, designers, and material scientists around the world to source, test, and bring to market the best next-generation acoustic solutions.
The Conundrum: Aesthetics, Performance, and Purpose
Today’s specifiers demand more than just decibel reduction. They demand:
- Aesthetic value
- Environmental integrity
- Multifunctionality
The real challenge is creating products that look stunning, perform brilliantly, and are entirely green—even at the cost of higher production expenses. At Muffle, we say: That cost is worth it.
A Platform for Change: One Roof, One Resource
Our offering to architects, interior designers, and acoustic consultants is simple:
We are the largest centralised resource for acoustic products and their specification, including sustainable materials used—ready for use in residential, commercial, and public sector projects.
If you are a brand, supplier, or innovator with a sustainable acoustic product, we want to hear from you. Muffle is actively expanding its range, and we welcome collaboration to feature new products that align with our circular economy vision.
What’s Next?
We believe that beautiful acoustic design should never come at the cost of the planet. And while many products in today’s market boast recycled content, few can guarantee recyclability again—fewer still offer full biodegradability. That’s the goal.
This is our path. From ground, to space, and back to ground again.
Explore our sustainable range. Collaborate with us. And help lead the next wave of conscious acoustic design. Contact Muffle today if you have an exciting product in this space and want to be part of the green acoustic revolution.