Knauf Opens New Ceiling Tile Factory in France – TOPIQ® Alpha Acoustic Panels Now Available in Poland

The new production facility, located in Illange, France near the German border, manufactures ceiling systems and is directly connected to a neighboring insulation plant. The integration of the two sites improves logistics and reduces the carbon footprint by eliminating the need for inter-site transportation. The factory was designed with environmental sustainability at its core and has already been recognized with the Choose France 2024 award for ecological transformation and decarbonization.

The plant runs on 100% low-emission electricity, and a solar power station (covering 30% of energy needs) will go online in 2026. Water-saving and recycling systems, including ultrafiltration, have also been implemented. The factory will employ up to 50 people by 2026 and is largely driven by cutting-edge technologies. Acoustic panels are transported by AGVs, then cut, sanded, laminated, painted, and packed – all within just 15 minutes. Quality control is carried out both automatically via cameras and manually every hour.

This investment supports the Knauf Group’s broader decarbonization goals, aiming to reduce CO₂ emissions by 50% (Scope 1 and 2) and 30% (Scope 3) by 2032, with a target of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.

The new plant was built to produce high-quality suspended acoustic ceilings that meet the growing market demand across Europe. Brighter, smoother, and offering Class A acoustic performance at a competitive price, TOPIQ® Alpha fills a crucial gap in the product portfolio.

"Until now, Knauf Ceiling Solutions focused mainly on hard acoustic panels and design-led solutions. However, many new investments — especially in public sectors such as schools, public offices, and healthcare facilities — require high-performance, budget-conscious solutions. This is why we’ve launched this new product line. TOPIQ® Alpha ceilings are now also available in Poland," says Krzysztof Szczepaniak of Knauf Ceiling Solutions Poland.

Made from mineral wool, TOPIQ® Alpha panels offer sound absorption up to Class A (αw 1.00 for 20 mm, and 0.95 for 15 mm). They are available in three edge types and stand out with their high whiteness, reflecting 86% of light, which helps brighten interiors and lower energy usage.

Knauf Ceiling Solutions has also introduced a version of the panel designed for environments with high hygiene requirements, such as healthcare facilities, food industry settings, and restaurant kitchens. HYGENA TOPIQ® Alphapanels feature a laminated surface that is washable and antibacterial, helping to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi.

These panels comply with Zone 4 hygiene standards in accordance with NF S 90-351:2013 and also offer Class A sound absorption.

“These ceilings are lightweight, easy to install, and ideal for both new and retrofit projects with tighter budgets,” adds Krzysztof Szczepaniak.

All products in the TOPIQ® Alpha range are certified for indoor air quality, an essential factor for hospitals, clinics, offices, schools, and kindergartens. The panels carry the Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort GOLD certification, are classified as Euroclass A1 for fire resistance, and are 100% humidity resistant.