Rethinking Acoustics Through Circularity
In a world of overproduction and excess, Akoestiekfabriek challenges the norm by rethinking what already exists.
At its core, Akoestiekfabriek is about listening—not just to sound, but to the materials that shape our environment. The company began as a project within FIX, a social enterprise that provides job opportunities to individuals distanced from the job market. What started as an experiment in repurposing materials soon evolved into a mission.
Instead of allowing discarded ceiling tiles to become waste, Akoestiekfabriek transforms them into high-quality acoustic panels. These panels aren’t just functional solutions—they demonstrate that sustainability is about rethinking value, not just reducing waste.
Their role extends beyond acoustic performance—they are shaping a new way of thinking about waste, sound, and sustainability.
The impact of sound is often underestimated. We design our spaces with our eyes, but rarely with our ears. Noise pollution has become a critical but overlooked issue, impacting mental well-being, productivity, and cognitive function.
Akoestiekfabriek challenges the passive acceptance of noise by promoting an alternative mindset—one in which acoustics and well-being are considered just as important as aesthetics. By integrating reclaimed materials, their panels help create environments that absorb noise and help improve well-being and acoustic comfort.
"Yes. There's a perception shift. Also an attitude shift. In the past, it was a luxury problem. But people are starting to realize that, not only quiet spaces but the absorption of sound by acoustic solutions gives an added value to the well-being of the person."
"For example, a teacher who spends all day in a building from the 30s teaching small children from 5 to 7 years old. She gets overheated. All those stimulations get overheated. People are busy with everything, and [the noise of] a bag of chips can be harmful for the well-being of the person. It starts with overstimulation. Images, mobile phones, radio, and so on." — Steven
Their work isn’t just about products—it’s about questioning what we define as waste. Circularity is often framed as an idealistic vision, but for Akoestiekfabriek, it’s a practical reality. Every panel they produce carries a story, not just of material reuse, but of rethinking value.
“Recycling is making something completely new from something old. It's processed into a new product while reuse is... is it qualitative? But our panels have been tested in an external testing centre together with a lot of other acoustic, new panels. And ours turned out to be the best."
— Eva De Smedt, Director of Fix and Akoestiekfabriek
The company does not rely on shareholders, ensuring that all profits are reinvested into job creation and further development.
"At Akoestiekfabriek, we have consciously chosen not to have a shareholder structure. So all profits go straight to job creation or to further investment in the company. There are no shareholders, and that is also a statement that we want to make." — Eva
Beyond just material reuse, the company integrates sustainability into the way it functions as a business, proving that sustainability is about more than materials—it’s about people too.
While Akoestiekfabriek embraces innovation, they recognize that progress doesn’t always mean constant reinvention. Some products don’t need to be completely reimagined—they need to be refined, optimized, and adapted to meet new needs. Instead of chasing constant newness, they focus on improving what already works.
"Innovation is important, but sometimes you don’t have to constantly reinvent the wheel. If your product is good and very functional, then you have a basic product and you can develop the basis with it and do what you have to do." — Steven
Instead of continuously seeking radical reinvention, they focus on improving what exists, making sustainable adjustments, and ensuring that both materials and people get the opportunity to evolve. This thoughtful approach ensures that sustainability isn’t just a trend, but a practical and lasting solution.
Akoestiekfabriek is not just about solutions to existing problems—it’s about asking the right questions. What if circularity became the norm rather than the exception? What if the way we design spaces prioritized acoustics as much as aesthetics? What if the materials we discard were recognized for their potential?
Their panels are more than just sound absorbers; they are representations of possibility. They prove that materials—and people—can find new purpose, new life, and new meaning when given the opportunity.
While the industry is shifting toward more sustainable practices, there is still work to be done in changing perceptions. Many businesses still assume that circular products mean a compromise in quality, but Akoestiekfabriek has repeatedly proven otherwise.
While the industry is shifting toward more sustainable practices, there is still work to be done in changing perceptions. Many businesses still assume that circular products mean a compromise in quality, but Akoestiekfabriek has repeatedly proven otherwise.
Their journey is still unfolding, but one thing remains clear—they aren’t just working with sound. They’re working with possibility, proving that sustainability, social responsibility, and craftsmanship can exist in harmony, shaping a future where every material—and every person—has a place to belong.
