Project Challenge

This 230㎡ artisan chocolate production workshop with front retail showroom is located in inner Melbourne, Australia. It houses tempering machines, moulding lines, cooling cabinets and a small packaging area. Constant-running chocolate equipment, ventilation systems and cooling units generate steady broadband noise. The noise interferes with staff communication and production accuracy, and long-term exposure risks violating local occupational health standards. The temperature-controlled, high-humidity environment with fine cocoa dust requires acoustic materials that are moisture-resistant, non-absorbent, stain-resistant and dimensionally stable at varying temperatures.

Our Solution

We fitted the entire workshop and showroom ceiling with high-density inorganic fiberglass acoustic ceiling tiles, NRC 0.90–0.95, inherent ASTM E84 Class A fire resistance. The interconnected porous structure efficiently absorbs full-spectrum reflected noise from equipment and airflow, while the dense hardened surface resists moisture absorption and cocoa dust buildup, maintaining dimensional stability in temperature-controlled environments — critical for food production facilities. Around the high-noise tempering machine perimeter, we added partial perforated acoustic panels with mineral wool backing to help control mid-low frequency equipment noise.

All materials are non-particulate and fiber-shedding free, meeting food handling facility hygiene requirements. The system holds stable performance even in fluctuating cool temperatures.

Project Results

Ambient noise in the main production area dropped by an estimated 40%, falling within acceptable limits for local occupational health standards. Staff reported less end-of-shift fatigue and much clearer verbal communication during production runs. Production consistency also showed a measurable improvement following the upgrade, thanks to reduced noise distraction.