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Room acoustics in the catering trade
When design wants to be heard
The restaurant is full, the lighting is atmospheric, the interior is stylish – and yet many guests turn their backs on the restaurant early. What seems surprising at first glance often has a clear reason: the room acoustics in restaurants are underestimated.
If the sound of a room is not taken into account, an invisible barrier is created. Noise, reverberation and unpleasant sound reflections make conversations tiring and disrupt the emotional experience. Even the best design can lose its impact if the acoustic atmosphere is not right.
Noise reduces dwell time – and return visits
Many catering establishments lack sound-absorbing materials. Hard surfaces, high ceilings or glass fronts amplify the sound – and therefore also the noise. A well-known example of this is the Lombard effect: people speak louder the higher the noise level gets – until no one can listen anymore.
The room acoustics in restaurants not only influence how loud the room is. It determines how comfortable guests feel, how long they stay and whether they come back. Good acoustics create a pleasant atmosphere for conversation, reduce stress and ensure relaxed moments – without being visually noticeable. It is not seen, but clearly felt.
Enjoyment needs acoustic quality
In cafés, restaurants and bars in particular, acoustic quality is part of the culinary experience. Enjoyment is not only on the tongue, but also in the quiet of the room. A pleasant sound environment supports communication, creates closeness and invites people to linger.
This is why room acoustics in restaurants should be considered as part of the design concept from the outset. Not as an afterthought, but as a central component of a holistic room design.
Think of room acoustics as a design element
At apn® we develop acoustic solutions that combine both: sound quality and architectural aesthetics. Our products are modular in design, architecturally adaptable and so flexible that they can be seamlessly integrated into a wide variety of design concepts – whether as ceiling absorbers, wall solutions or free-standing acoustic elements.
Good design speaks – but it doesn’t speak. Rooms that are acoustically well thought out are not only seen, but experienced. They invite you to stay and create a real connection – between people, conversations and atmosphere.
Are you planning a new catering project? Let’s talk about how acoustic effectiveness and design standards can be ideally combined. For rooms that are more than just a backdrop – and where people want to stay.
Recycled PET – sustainable solution or marketing ploy?
“Made from 100% recycled PET” – this phrase can be found on countless products. Packaging, clothing, carpets and even acoustic elements advertise with it. It sounds like a simple contribution to sustainability – but is it?
Bottle-to-fiber: From a cycle to a dead end
What many people don’t know: Most recycled PET products come from a so-called bottle-to-fiber process. PET bottles are melted down and converted into polyester fibers – for example for textiles or acoustic materials.
The problem is that these fibers can hardly be recycled. After being used, they usually end up in waste incineration. The process therefore does not produce genuine recycling, but a kind of “downcycling” with a short useful life. There can be no question of a functioning cycle.
Recycling is not automatically sustainable
The term recycled PET is often used as a green promise – without questioning the actual environmental impact. This often results in so-called greenwashing: the impression of a sustainable product, although it was only a one-off conversion from bottle to fiber.
However, sustainability means more than just a good image. A genuine circular economy begins with the selection of the right materials, modular product design and recycling after use.
How apn® acoustic solutions does it differently
At apn® acoustic solutions, we see sustainability not as a label, but as a responsibility. That’s why we rely on materials that remain in the cycle – and on products that can be used several times. Our solutions at a glance:
- 70% genuine recycled material in our baseboards – not just bottle fibers, but recyclable raw materials.
- Modular, removable acoustic elements – made for a second, third or fourth life.
- Taking back, cleaning and reconditioning used products – for genuine reuse instead of disposal.
- No overproduction – we manufacture according to demand, not for stock.
Conclusion: Only what comes back is sustainable
Recycling PET can make a meaningful contribution – but only if it is part of a closed material cycle. A product that ends up as waste after a single use remains waste – regardless of which recycling process it comes from. For us, sustainability is not a trend, but an attitude. One that starts with responsibility – and continues with real solutions.
apn® acoustic solutions – design that stays. Products that don’t disappear.
Would you like to find out more about sustainable acoustic solutions? We will be happy to advise you.
Sustainable acoustic elements from northern Germany
Why apn® relies on local production, genuine craftsmanship and responsibility from start to finish
What makes room acoustics sustainable?
It is not only the materials, but also where and how a product is made that determines its ecological footprint. At apn® acoustic solutions from Neustadt in Holstein, we build sustainable acoustic elements that are manufactured exclusively on a project-specific basis and completely handmade in northern Germany. This is not a trend – it is our claim.
Genuine sustainability instead of greenwashing
– No stock items: We only produce to order – what is needed is built. Not any more.
– No standard solutions: Each acoustic element is individual, tailored to the room, requirements and design.
– Handmade from Neustadt in Holstein: short delivery routes, transparent processes, genuine added value.
– Our own installation teams: We install ourselves – no outsourcing, no compromises.
In this way, apn® not only creates better acoustics, but also a fair product with attitude.
Circular thinking from start to finish
Our acoustic elements are not only visually and technically sophisticated – they are also designed for reuse. We avoid overproduction, use recyclable materials and take back used elements for reprocessing.
For us, responsibility means developing an acoustic product that lasts – not pollutes.
Frequently asked questions about sustainable acoustic production
Why are acoustic elements from northern Germany more sustainable?
Because they are produced in the immediate vicinity, delivered without unnecessary transportation and assembled under fair conditions – with a measurably lower carbon footprint.
What sets apn® apart from other acoustic manufacturers?
We manufacture on a project basis, locally and without overproduction. Our own installation team ensures that every product is installed professionally – quality without detours.
Can I convert or reuse my acoustic elements later?
Yes – our solutions are modular and can be dismantled. We actively support reuse and take back used modules for refurbishment.
At a glance: apn® acoustic solutions
– Sustainable acoustic elements from northern Germany
– Project-related individual production instead of mass-produced goods
– Handmade in Neustadt in Holstein
– Own assembly teams for quality on site
– Avoiding overproduction & promoting reuse
apn® stands for sustainable acoustic elements from northern Germany with responsibility – locally manufactured, modularly designed, made to last. If you want to design rooms that not only sound good, but also show attitude, we are your partner.
Find out more now and contact us directly.
Sustainable acoustic elements with the ReUse principle
apn® acoustic solutions develops sustainable acoustic elements with the ReUse principle that stay – not pollute. Our aim is to create products that do not end up as waste but can be reused. With modular construction, timeless design and up to 70% recycled content, we make an active contribution to the circular economy and the conservation of resources.
Sustainability starts with the material – and doesn’t end with its use
Many acoustic solutions are only intended for one-time use. At apn® we take a different approach: we develop acoustic solutions that can be reused, dismantled, relocated and even refurbished. For us, our reuse principle means dismantlability and modularity, the reprocessing of used elements, no minimum order quantities and no overproduction. The result is long-lasting acoustic elements with a clear design language – independent of short-lived trends.
Concrete measures for sustainable room acoustics
In order to implement genuine sustainability, we rely on the following strategies:
- Production on demand: no warehousing, no overproduction.
- ReUse by taking back: Used acoustic elements are checked, cleaned and re-covered by us.
- 70% recycled material: Our baseboards are largely made from recycled material.
- Upcycling instead of disposal: Production waste is processed into new products.
Our materials are certified to the highest environmental standards, including Blue Angel, VOC A and CE – for maximum safety, quality and environmental compatibility.
ReUse acoustic elements – Made in Germany
As a manufacturer from Germany, we offer companies, planning offices, architects and building owners throughout the DACH region – and beyond – sustainable acoustic systems that are economically, visually and ecologically impressive. Whether offices, educational institutions, restaurants or public buildings – our acoustic elements not only improve room acoustics, but also your sustainability balance.
Acoustic elements for sustainable building
Our solutions stand for a new understanding of product responsibility:
For us,design without an expiration date means: reusable, durable, certified acoustic elements that grow with you and don’t disappear – sustainable acoustic elements with the ReUse principle.
Plan sustainable room acoustics now – with apn® acoustic solutions.
Sustainable acoustic solutions for every budget
Because good room acoustics are not a luxury
Good room acoustics are not an extra. Not a luxury. And certainly not a question of money. It is a conscious decision – for more concentration, more well-being and more sustainability in everyday life.
Whether open space, conference room, classroom or practice – wherever people meet, you need acoustic concepts that work. And not just technically, but also economically.
Three solutions – one claim: sustainability and quality
At apn®, we develop sustainable acoustic solutions that can be customized – depending on the room, requirements and budget. We offer three product lines that have one thing in common: clear function, well thought-out design and responsible use of resources.
- baseline: Reduced to the essentials, efficient in use. Less choice, full effect.
- classic collection: Our all-rounder with top performance, many colors and fabrics.
- pre edition: For all those who love style as well as style. High-quality materials, maximum comfort.
Sustainability is standard for us – not an add-on
Sustainability is not a label, but our aspiration at every step:
From the selection of tested materials to long-lasting product quality and regional production. We think acoustics holistically – and with an eye to tomorrow.
Conclusion: Good acoustics adapt – even to the budget
If you want to design rooms that work, you shouldn’t save on acoustics – but you don’t have to overinvest either. At apn® you will find sustainable acoustic solutions that suit your requirements AND your budget.
Whether it’s a nursery or creative room, treatment room or meeting lounge:
Still is the new loud. And sustainability simply sounds better when it’s part of the solution.
Do you have a project? We are listening.
Noise Awareness Day 2025
Together for a calmer world!
Today is Noise Awareness Day 2025 – an opportunity for us to raise awareness of the harmful effects of noise on our health and well-being. Did you know that noise can cause stress, sleep disorders and even cardiovascular disease?
At apn®, we are passionate about making the world a little quieter and more pleasant. Our innovative room acoustics solutions help to reduce noise levels in offices, nurseries and schools, restaurants and hotels, the healthcare sector and industry. In this way, we create a calming and health-promoting environment.
Let’s work together for more peace and quiet and a better quality of life – and not just on Noise Awareness Day 2025!