Lotte Chemical Develops Interfloor Noise Buffer Using Eco-Friendly Material EPP

Lotte Chemical, Lotte Construction, and EPS Korea Jointly Develop
Eco-Friendly Material EPP-Based Interlayer Noise Buffering Material

Lotte Chemical's inter-floor noise cushioning material developed using eco-friendly material EPP. Photo by Lotte Chemical

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jeong] Lotte Chemical announced on the 4th that it has developed an inter-floor noise cushioning material using the eco-friendly material EPP (Expanded Polypropylene).

Inter-floor noise is a serious social issue that causes conflicts among residents. The government has been preparing measures such as strengthening inter-floor noise standards and introducing a post-verification system since August.

Before the standards were strengthened, Lotte Chemical signed a joint development agreement in March last year with Lotte Construction and cushioning material specialist EPS Korea to develop inter-floor noise cushioning materials. The developed cushioning material passed the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s ‘Approval Review for Impact Sound Insulation Structure of Apartment Floors’ and secured performance for both lightweight and heavyweight under the strengthened measurement standards implemented since August.

The jointly developed inter-floor noise cushioning material was designed to be suitable for inter-floor noise by reinforcing the cushioning properties of EPP, an eco-friendly material produced by Lotte Chemical.

EPP complements the characteristics of existing Styrofoam materials, is impact-resistant, and does not emit harmful substances. It is a material that is easy to recycle. When used as a building material, it is more eco-friendly compared to existing Styrofoam and urethane foam, and it is a stable material with excellent resilience and heat resistance, showing no change in physical properties even after long-term use. In case of fire, the amount of smoke generated is one-tenth that of Styrofoam, and no toxic substances are emitted, ensuring fire safety.

Lee Young-jun, head of Lotte Chemical’s Advanced Materials Business, said, “The inter-floor noise cushioning material developed this time applies noise reduction technology that surpasses the limitations of existing EPP by developing proprietary materials and molding processes that can increase the elasticity of conventional EPP together with our partners.” He added, “Lotte Chemical will continue to pursue additional performance improvements to further reduce inter-floor noise and plans to develop technology that can be applied to cushioning materials through plastic recycling.”