Update in progress - please have a look at the German version in the meantime. Thank you!
1.1 What are Natural Surfaces from Organoid®?
Natural Surfaces are made of natural raw materials. These are applied, partly by hand, on various carrier boards (HPL high pressure laminates, self-adhesive films, fleeces, textiles, etc.).
Thus, they retain most of their natural properties, such as their fragrance, feel, optics, and allow a multi-sensorial experience (except: tasting).
NOTE: Due to the fact Organoid® is produced from natural ingredients there may be some colour variations across a surface, please note this is not a reason for rejection.
1.2 How sustainable are Organoid® Natural Surfaces and where are they produced?
In our plant, in the Tyrol, the heart of the Alps, we adopt ecological and sustainable production techniques. This starts with the supply of 100% green electricity and ends with our bio resins that are up to 100 % biodegradable and of course free of plasticizers and solvents and are even certified for contact with food.
We only use natural and authentic source materials that are usually not processed in conventional manufacturing.We also pay attention to the impact of transportation, favouring the shortest transfer distances in our region.
1.5 Where can I experience Natural Surfaces in real life?
We present our organoid product range at various fairs and exhibitions. The dates can be found on our homepage, together with a map of our sales partners and showrooms, as well as references of already realized projects in various areas.
1.3 Where can I buy Natural Surfaces?
Our sales partners are spread around the world. On our homepage you will find a map showing all our distribution partners. Our sales team will be happy to assist you!
1.6 May I order some samples?
We are happy to offer you our Premium Box - the collection with 25 different natural surfaces in A5 size (210 x 135 mm) on five different backings for € 69.00 net plus shipping. The sample binder contains the complete range of surfaces and finishes (HPL, Flexi, Self-Adhesive, Translucent and Pure).
In addition we can offer 1-2 individual samples in A5 size (210 x 135 mm) or our stock collection card (with 25 small real samples) free of charge. Please send your sample inquiries to muster@organoids.at or give us a call at +43 5449 200 01.
1.4 I want to work with Natural Surfaces, but I don’t know how to do it. Who can advise me?
For realizing your project we strive for detailed and extensive consulting service. We take time for you!
Our partners’ trained staff or our telephone service will be happy to answer your questions about our products at +43 5449 200 01. Special requests are handled by our in-house specialists. We also look forward to receiving your email enquiries - info@organoids.at.
1.7 Can the Panels/Decks be customized?
We stock a range of our natural surfaces on HPL boards that adhere to the quality standard EN 438 in a standard size of 3050 x 1320 mm. Other backings such as wallpaper flax, self-adhesive (black or translucent), flexible lining paper or pure (without backing) are also available.
We are able to produce unique surfaces from all biogenic materials using different techniques that are customized to the needs of customers and designers. Therefore also other support boards like CPL from 0,5 mm, “emission free” HPLs, papers, nets, leather, plywood and more can be used.
1.9 How long does the scent of a Natural Surface last?
Organoid® products are made from natural materials and they largely maintain all the natural properties. Some materials have only a light scent (eg. SKELETTBLATTLA, ROSCHT, WOLLÄ, BAMBOART), others a very intense and long-lasting scent. The fragrance intensity decreases with time, but can be refreshed by using a damp cloth and rubbing the surface. In ROASA and WANILLÄ we expect a fragrance release over a period of about 20 years. The intensity of the fragrance strongly depends on the processing temperature, ventilation and humidity, so that characteristic can vary.
The fragrances of decorative coatings of Organoid have only natural and no artificial fragrances or scent.
In particular, when using Natural Surfaces strongly scented, you may well perceive the characteristics of various fragrances. The intensity of scents can be significantly reduced due to the use of paint coating on the surface.
1.8 What is the product life expectancy of Organoid® Natural Surfaces?
Within normal climatic conditions the product life expectancy of our Organoid® Natural Surfaces is comparable to wooden chipboard. Some surfaces, especially those which contain chlorophyll, are subject to a natural aging process, e.g. through UV light. To reduce this effect we use a light stabilizer agent. For higher UV protection, the surface can be provided with additional light-stability agents.
1.10 How do I dispose of Organoid products?
Proper disposal depends on the backing material and surface sealant (if applicable). If you are not sure, ask your local recycling center. Organoid® Pure and Organoid® Wallpaper with flax backing can - if untreated - be composted depending on technical possibilities.
2.2 How about the thickness of Natural Surfaces?
We provide a detailed overview in the download area of our homepage. Divergences can occur when using other carrier materials or different coating thicknesses due to customer requests.
2.1 How big is the effective area?
Our production line has been optimized for a size of 3050 x 1320 mm (4.026 m²) per panel/deck. For production reasons, edge of 0 – 20 mm is only partially covered with organoid materials. Depending on the surface, trimming of about 20 mm is necessary. Rough textured surfaces such as LAWENDL, PFEFFARMINZ and RINDÄ must be trimmed slightly wider, depending on your personal preference.
2.3 What is the recommended bending radius of Organoid® Natural Surfaces?
Our panels/decks allow different bending radiuses, depending on coating thickness (0.05 mm to 3.5 mm) and material. All natural surfaces have a minimum bend radius of 350 mm. Small bending radiuses of only a few millimeters are possible when using lining/veneer paper or self-adhesive backings. Just ask us, we are able to produce our natural surfaces according to your specifications.
2.4. Can I choose the transparency, thickness and flexibility of the surfaces?
As described in 1.7, it is possible to customize the surfaces in any kind. Amongst other things, this applies to the selection of the carrier material, the coating thickness and material, its colour, fibre length refinement, structure or pattern. These characteristics define thickness and flexibility of the Organoid® Natural Surface.
3.1 Is there a minimum order quantity?
Our minimum order is 1 panel/deck of 3050 x 1320 mm (4.026 m²) throughout the product range.
Organoid® Flooring: min. 5 panels/carton (1.88 m²; multiples of 5), Organoid® Slot Absorber: min. 6 pieces (multiples of 6).
3.2 How will the panels be packed and delivered?
Most panels/decks are rolled and packed in boxes. The size of the box depends on the product’s maximum bending radius. Depending on the decorative coating and size of your order we deliver flat in a sturdy wooden box or rolled in a cardboard box on a pallet. Each plate is protected by a release paper that has to be used for pressing (see below). The dimension of the cardboard box is 720 x 720 x 1350 mm, the carton is fixed on the wooden pallet with reusable straps.
Organoid® Wallpaper, Flexi, Pure and Translucent Self-adhesive are being shipped as a roll depending on the properties of the natural material. Properties such as thickness, fiber length and strength account for the respective bending radius. The following carton sizes are available: 170 x 170 x 1400 mm, 280 x 280 x 1400 mm or 400 x 400 x 1400 mm.
Delivery is always ex works. We are happy to organize shipping via parcel service or freight forwarding company.
3.3. What is the delivery time?
Products in our stock program can be shipped right away. For special orders we calculate a delivery time of 4-6 weeks.
3.4 How do I store the Panels/Decks?
Our products may only be stored in closed, dry and well-tempered rooms, in a flat position and protected from light. Storage conditions should be temperatures around 20°C (68°F) at a relative humidity of 45-65%. Stored surfaces can also be a retreat for insects and rodents that can nestle in the structured surface. Therefore the storage has to be in a protected and closed room, ideally equipped with ventilation.
An over-pack using a closed PE foil preserves the aroma characteristics, but also increases the risk of mold infestation, which can occur at high humidity, poor ventilation and temperature changes.
Remarks:
WANILLÄ: At temperatures below 10°C (50°F) the vanillin of WANILLÄ surface can crystallize and form a white layer. Back to room temperature this layer will disappear.
KAFEE: In dark rooms the surface KAFEE may build a white layer out of mold or mycelium due to its own residual moisture and due to contained spores. This film is harmless. It occurs only in storage situations and only the KAFEE surface is concerned. The mycelium doesn’t affect other products. Just clean the coating before delivery and application. As soon as the coating is applied on walls or furniture there is no more risk of mould because of the room ventilation and the brightness of daylight. The mycelium is no product fault but confirms the use of genuine and organic raw materials!
MOUS: A light crystalline efflorescence may appear in some charges of natural surface MOUS. This is a physical effect due to a humidity of less than 40%. These crystals can be carefully wiped off with a damp cloth. They are natural and hazard-free.
4.2 How should the panels/decks be processed?
Handling of Organoid® Natural Surfaces requires increased attention and processing must only be done by qualified personal that is experienced with sensitive and high quality materials.
HPL: Normally the Organoid® Natural Surfaces are applied on phenolic resin bond support boards and can be applied on many different layers. Organoid® Natural Surfaces can be processed like normal HPL. While processing a lower feed rate and a higher rotational speed should be adjusted depending on the used material. All safety and handling instructions for laminates must be followed. During the processing of laminates dust is produced which - together with other organic parts - may cause irritations to eyes, respiratory system and skin. Long-term damages could not be detected if the dust concentration at workplaces was within the legal limits. Workplaces have to be ventilated. We recommend the use of suitable breathing masks and protective gloves (due to sharp edges of laminates).
WALLPAPER: Natural wallpaper can be processed like any other fleece wallpaper in wall-pasting technique - simply cut with scissors or cutter to the desired size. Attention: The glue must be applied to the wall and not on the wallpaper. Any glue suitable for heavy wallpaper can be used. We recommend Auro universal glue no. 380.
SELF-ADHESIVE FILMS: The strong self-adhesive film can be applied directly to plasterboard, concrete and many other materials - even with a rough surface. If you are not sure perform a test on a sample piece or a spot that is not noticeable. After cutting with scissors or cutter, simply remove the release paper and apply to the desired surface. Attention: Adjust the surface exactly. Due to the strong adhesive force readjustment is very hard if not impossible.
4.3. Are there any pressing guidelines for HPL?
HPL: Before fitting the boards they should be stored together with a distortion board or veneer for 5 to 10 days for acclimatization. The backside of the sheet has to be checked for pollution (rest of material, oil/fat) and has to be cleaned or degreased with a suited tool. Especially when using WANILLÄ pay special attention to substrate preparation. If you are not sure perform a test on a sample piece or a spot that is not noticeable!
Organoid raw materials are checked, graded and handled carefully. But it is possible that in very few cases little insects, stones and other foreign parts could be found.
If the sheets are bonded to another support board the pressing temperature should not exceed 60°C (140°F). Use release paper and the provided textile (if requested) as a release agent to contact surfaces, so that the coating will not be damaged.
After pressing let the sheet cool down to room temperature before removing the release paper and performing further operations.
Organoid® Natural Surfaces and panels consist of natural material that swells and shrinks due to changing humidity. For a certain balanced board set-up we recommend the use of the same coating on both sides of the board to avoid distortion.
We recommend the usage of the delivered backing sheet/balancing panel (surfaces brown ground), the usage of a plywood (minimum thickness 18mm) and a stiffening substructure on all accounts.
Please pay attention to suitable joints and distances from the wall. Organoid® HPL can be bonded on massive walls or metallic surfaces just as any normal HPL. Apply accordingly to relevant information.
WALLPAPER see 4.4 and SELF-ADHESIVE FILMS see 4.2.
4.4 What do i need to know about processing organoid® wallpaper with flax backing?
Technique: Wall-pasting technique/to be installed with roll-on glue
Surface: clean, dry, even, dust-free, absorbent, stable
Joints: double cut, leave 2 cm overlap
Recommended glue:
4.1 Is this material suitable for human consumption?
Organoid® Natural Surfaces are not suitable for human and animals consumption, also without a carrier material. It is not excluded that individual particles may be freed from the surface - especially on uneven surfaces (e.g. WANILLÄ, PFEFFARMINZ, LAWENDL, RINDÄ and ROASA).
5.1 Why do the panels/decks crumble?
Organoid® materials breathe – they well and shrink at changes of humidity. Therefore single stalks or other parts may break away from the surface. This is a sign of a genuine natural surface, which is made from authentic materials. Due to a multi-layer structure, 'bald' areas are completely impossible, even in the long run.
5.2 May varnishing protect the surface from scratches?
For increased protection against moisture and scratches the surface can be painted, oiled, waxed, impregnated or used under glass. Some of the natural raw materials contain oils and fats (especially hemp nut shells for the surface HONF and vanilla pods for the surface WANILLÄ). In these cases the coating is not or hardly possible. Basically, good results were achieved with Lignovit Terra and Aqua Resist from Adler Lacke, as well as with acrylic paints. Preliminary tests on samples are always recommended.
5.3 Is every sheet exactly the same?
During production we are monitoring 40 parameters to provide a very high quality and consistent appearance. Due to the natural essence of raw materials and processes of manufacturing differences in colour and composition may occur between production runs. This also depends on various factors such as temperature and humidity. We are happy to send you recent samples. For exposed areas we recommend to order from one batch.
5.4 How can Organoid® Surfaces be cleaned?
All Organoid® Natural Surfaces can be vacuum cleaned or wiped with gentle pressure and a suitable duster. Depending on porosity and structure of the surface the duster can be very slightly moistened. Abrasive cleaning agents (e.g. abrasive power), detergents, thinners and other chemicals must not be used.
Special caution is required for cleaning the Organoid® Wallpapers light. They are characterized by their low density of raw materials applied. Due to less binding agents used the fibres may react sensitive to changes of humidity. That is why they should only be cleaned with a dry duster.
Owing to a possible moisture absorption of the wallpaper backing while wallpapering, the fibre will be flexible for a short time but will dry again. A careful surface brush should only be made in completely dry state.
All flooring panels are already PU sealed and can be vacuumed and moistened cleaned with all grease dissolving household cleaning agents. Please make sure that you don’t wipe too dry – especially in the area of joints.
To fulfil higher requirements or to close joints we recommend the system ‘LOBA 2K Duo matt’ as an additional sealing – especially in the kitchen and wet areas.
6.1 What fire protection class do the products reach?
For fire safety reasons, we use standard flame-retardant phenolic resin bonded laminated boards (HPL) with grinded back. As a first surface WILDSPITZE has been tested and classified in accordance with EN 13501-1 according to B s1 d0. Further tests for other products, e.g. wallpapers are in preparation. Contact us for more information!
6.2 May organoid surfaces trigger allergies?
The most common allergy triggers birch leaves (surface BIRKÄ), hay (surface WILDSPITZE and variations) and moss (surface MOUS) were tested and no emissions of allergy triggers were detected in the final product. A certificate about this test can be found in our download area of our homepage.
6.2 May organoid surfaces trigger allergies?
The most common allergy triggers birch leaves (surface BIRKÄ), hay (surface WILDSPITZE and variations) and moss (surface MOUS) were tested and no emissions of allergy triggers were detected in the final product. A certificate about this test can be found in our download area of our homepage.
7.1 What are Organoid Acoustic Products?
Organoid Acoustic Products are acoustically effective support boards (according to the Helmholtz principle) with organoid natural surfaces that are acoustically transparent due to that special treatment. 16 mm MDF is used as a standard. In case of increased fire protection requirements, we will also use flame-resistant MDF or non-flammable gypsum cardboards.
7.4 What is the difference between the Slot Absorber, the Absorber Panel and the Picture Absorber?
The Organoid Slot Absorber is a tongue-and-groove panel that can be easily joined to create an acoustic surface without visible joints. This panel can be adjusted accurately in its effectiveness by defined acoustic processing.
The Organoid Absorber Panel is supplied with an unperforated/unfinished edge to allow machining of the face side, forming of edges, or milling for fittings or installations for further processing. With a size of 2970 × 1200 mm it is suited ideally for example as partition element, door paneling, or box front.
Our finished product Organoid Picture Absorber as a wall element only has to be unpacked and hung. Depending on the mounting surface, the standard installation is invisible via screws and a hanging fitting. As ceiling elements or acoustic sails, the picture absorber modules are fixed with an adjustable cable suspension on a viable ceiling and are positioned at the recommended height.
7.6 How are the Picture Absorbers constructed?
The acoustically transparent coatings WILDSPITZE MARGERITTA, WILDSPITZE ROASA, WILDSPITZE LAWENDL and ALMWIESN are applied on a perforated acoustic panel, are filled with sheep’s wool as acoustic dampening, and are closed on the rear with flax fleece.
7.2 How do Organoid Acoustic Products act onto my space?
Human hearing reacts mainly to frequencies between 125 and 4000 Hz. Human speech takes place in this frequency range. Organoid Acoustic Products reduce the reverberation time by sound absorption over the entire frequency spectrum. This makes the ambient sound drier and clearer. Echos off walls are dampened by absorbers.
7.3 Are the modules suitable for every room, independent of its size and geometry?
Yes. Our Acoustic Products can be used in any room. The quantity and the type of the acoustic measures are determined by the room and its use purpose. For example, acoustical asymmetries in a room can be compensated by targeted selection and placement of our Acoustic Products to create the best possible audiophile environment, to increase speech intelligibility, or to improve the acoustic properties.
7.7 I live in rented rooms. Can I still use organoid acoustic products?
Yes. The Organoid Picture Absorbers can be installed without problems in any environment like a picture with a hanging fitting to improve the room acoustics.
The Slot Absorbers and Absorber Panels also can be designed as free-standing acoustic facing shells. For inquiries, please contact us at acoustic@organoids.at.
8.1 Quality & warranty
update coming soon...
9.1 final remarks
The variety and naturalness of the used materials as well as the different conditions on building sites and during processing cannot be checked and affected from our part. The quality and functionality of your work depends on your competent judgement and use of the products. Perform preliminary tests on samples in case of doubt, or get expert advice for application technology.
Relevant changes in technical and commercial progress reserved. This information describes the quality of our products and services and does not represent a guarantee. Performance of the product(s) described herein should be verified by testing and carried out only by qualified experts.
The data presented in this brochure are in accordance with the present state of our knowledge, but do not absolve the user from careful handling and proper usage.
These FAQs supersede all previous handling and maintenance guidelines.
All information in this document reflects our current knowledge and is intended to inform customers about our products and possible applications for them. Errors and printing errors may occur. We do not carry any liability for its contents.
Sept. 20 2018, © Organoid Technologies GmbH