Fibre Gypsum – The Third Way

Fibre gypsum is a sustainable construction material made from recycled gypsum, water, and paper fibers. The recycled gypsum is sourced from power stations and offcuts from manufacturing processes. Water is used to mix the ingredients, and paper fibers are integrated into the gypsum mix to enhance strength and durability. This composition allows fibre gypsum to be a robust and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional drywall and block work, contributing to reduced carbon emissions and improved sustainability in construction.

Fibre gypsum offers excellent fire resistance and acoustic performance. A simple construction using 12.5 mm fibre gypsum boards on either side of a 75 mm stud with stone mineral wool achieves 60 minutes of fire resistance (EI 60). Acoustically, the same setup provides an RW performance of 54 dB, significantly higher than traditional drywall and block work. The integrated paper fibers enhance the board's strength and density, making it comparable to block work in terms of fire and acoustic properties.

Fibre gypsum is environmentally beneficial due to its high recycled content and ability to store CO2. The paper fibers used in the boards can capture and store CO2, contributing to a reduction in overall carbon emissions. Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) confirm that fibre gypsum has a lower carbon footprint compared to traditional gypsum boards and block work. This makes fibre gypsum a sustainable choice for construction, aligning with modern carbon reduction goals and environmental standards.

Fibre gypsum complies with various building regulations and standards, including Approved Document B for fire safety and Approved Document E for acoustics. It meets the requirements for high-risk buildings and residential properties over 11 meters in height, as outlined in the Building Safety Act. Fibre gypsum's non-combustible nature and high performance in fire and acoustic tests ensure it adheres to stringent safety and performance standards, making it suitable for a wide range of construction projects.

Fibre gypsum has been successfully used in various projects, including stadiums, hospitals, schools, and museums. Notable examples include the Alexander Stadium, Tottenham Stadium, and the London Science Gallery. Its high hanging weight capability, pH neutrality, and moisture management properties make it ideal for museums and exhibition spaces. Fibre gypsum's versatility and performance in fire resistance, acoustics, and duty ratings demonstrate its effectiveness in diverse construction applications, providing a robust and sustainable alternative to traditional materials.