Specifying non-combustible panel systems for food facilities

What changed in fire compliance for insulated panels, and how to specify a system that satisfies both insurers and food safety auditors.

Insulated sandwich panels do two jobs at once: they form the thermal envelope and they form the hygienic surface. That dual role is why the fire performance of the core matters so much in food and cold storage facilities.

Stone wool cored systems such as PAROC are classified non-combustible, which simplifies insurer negotiations and removes the need for many of the compensating measures required with combustible cores.

When specifying, confirm the tested system, not just the panel: fixings, junction details, penetrations and ceiling spans all form part of the certified assembly.