Press releases
Leutkirch/Hamburg/Paris - March 2011
Greater design freedom and planning safety for ship interiors: Thermopal receives the “wheel” for Marina flameprotect compact
As of now, Thermopal’s flame resistant decorative panel flameprotect compact is entitled to bear the “wheel”, which means that the material can also be used for ship interior fittings where special fire safety requirements apply. This is thanks to it having received the appropriate approvals from Bureau Veritas, symbolised by the wheel pictogram, and its rating as a “Surface material with low flame-spread characteristics”.
Greater design freedom and planning safety
Special requirements apply in particular for structural fire protection in public areas such as corridors, stairwells, restaurants, bars and fitness and spa areas. This is an area where designers have had to rely on compensatory measures in the past, since only a very small number of decorative materials meet the requirements of preventative fire protection. However, Marine flameprotect compact is available in Thermopal's full range of decorative panels. That’s because the approvals apply for the fire-resistant panel including its decorative surface.
And because Marine flameprotect compact has a ready-to-use surface, there is no requirement for subsequent coating, painting or wallpapering. "So this fire-resistant panel can be fitted quickly and easily,” Guido Aldrich is pleased to confirm. With excellent material and processing properties, flameprotect compact also enjoys all the benefits of a high quality and extremely durable melamine resin surface that our shipbuilding customers would no longer want to be without. Measuring 2750 x 2020 mm and in material thicknesses ranging from 3 to 15 mm, this product is also ideal for new-builds and refurbishments.
Wheel certification for Marine flameprotect compact:
Based on its rating as a “Surface material with low flame-spread characteristics” in accordance with SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) and IMO (International Maritime Organization) requirements, the Marine Division of Bureau Veritas Approvals for Europe and the USA has issued the following certificates:
- EC Type Examination Certificate: Module B of European Union Council Directive 96/98/EC on marine equipment as amended by Commission Directive 2002/75/EC
- United States Coast Guard Certificate of Approval
Thermopal’s quality management system has also been awarded the Module D certificate of Marine Equipment Directive 96/98/EC.
About Thermopal:
Thermopal GmbH of Leutkirch im Allgäu is one of the leading manufacturers of wood materials for exclusive interior construction, contract projects and shop construction. The product programme by this premium supplier includes decorative chipboard and MDF panels, high-pressure laminates and numerous special products. The current range consists of more than 500 designs, 11 different surfaces and some 20 core materials, all of which can be combined as desired in the DST system (design - surface - core technology). The traditional company's customers include architects and interior design companies, wood retailers and the furniture industry. For further information please go to www.thermopal.com.
About Pfleiderer:
Pfleiderer AG is one of the world’s leading producers of engineered wood. The company employs approximately 5,400 people and operates 20 sites in North America, Western and Eastern Europe producing engineered wood, surface finished products and laminate flooring. Pfleiderer is a preferred partner of the furniture industry, specialist and home improvement stores, and interior design suppliers. In fiscal year 2009, the Group generated consolidated revenues of approximately €1.4 billion and EBITDA after restructuring costs of approximately €100 million. More information at: www.pfleiderer.com