Sustainable panel materials

Use of clay building boards in the Reinbeckhallen in Berlin (Natureplus/Photo: Lemix)
January 22, 2025 – Sustainable panel materials are essential in the modern construction sector, particularly for wall and ceiling coverings. While materials such as plasterboard are efficient and versatile, they can have significant environmental drawbacks. A commonly used component, FGD gypsum, is a byproduct of coal-fired power plants. With the planned phase-out of coal by 2038, there is a risk of increased reliance on natural gypsum, the extraction of which can cause severe damage to landscapes and ecosystems. Additionally, some conventional panels contain binders such as formaldehyde, which negatively impacts indoor air quality. Chemical treatments used to enhance moisture and fire resistance can also harm the environment. To address these and other ecological challenges, choosing sustainable alternatives is crucial.
The Germany-based ecolabel organization Natureplus, headquartered in Neckargemünd, has compiled a list of alternatives.