In public transport, safety encompasses more than just reliable engine performance, precise braking systems, or modern assistance systems. It also includes the materials used for vehicle interiors and structures. Therefore, the fire resistance of components is crucial, as it can determine passengers’ lives in the event of a fire.
With these requirements in mind, Paged Plywood has developed the FR (Fire Retardant) line of fire-retardant plywood – certified and homologated solutions primarily intended for use in the construction of category M3, class II and III vehicles, such as buses or coaches.
Materials with appropriate fire response properties, reducing combustion rates and melting points, give passengers and drivers more time to evacuate and allow emergency services to respond.
Therefore they must meet the strict requirements of Regulation No. 118 of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE). This regulation applies throughout Europe and in most UNECE member states, concerning category M3 vehicles (vehicles designed and constructed for the carriage of passengers, comprising more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat, and having a maximum mass exceeding 5 tonnes), class II and III.
According to this regulation, interior and structural elements of the vehicle are tested for:
Only materials that have passed the relevant tests may be approved by the competent authority and legally used in type-approved vehicles.
All film-faced plywood from the Paged FR series holds the E20 type approval certificate, confirming compliance with Regulation 118.
Film-faced, fire-retardant hardwood plywood, bonded with waterproof adhesive, smooth on both sides, used in floors and structures of buses, vans, semi-trailers, and trailers. It features exceptionally high mechanical strength while being simple and quick to process. The phenolic film provides additional protection against abrasion and increases moisture resistance. It is the ideal choice for transport body manufacturers seeking a reliable and durable material with complete documentation.
Film-faced, waterproof hardwood plywood with a one-sided wire mesh pattern providing anti-slip properties. It combines user safety with fire resistance. This material is often chosen for technical floors, platforms, and transport trailers where safety and functionality are paramount.
Double-sided film-faced hardwood plywood suitable for floors, vehicle bodies, and structural elements requiring increased fire resistance. The softwood core with thicker-than-standard veneers makes this plywood exceptionally lightweight while maintaining high mechanical parameters. It offers a solid solution for vehicle manufacturers looking to combine durability with safety and lightness.
Waterproof hardwood plywood with hexagonal (hexa) embossing providing high anti-slip properties and easy cleaning in high-traffic areas. The phenolic film increases resistance to abrasion, damage, and chemical agents. Recommended for entrance floors, walkways, ramps, and service areas in buses and semi-trailers/trailers.
FR multi-layer composite panel based on hardwood plywood with a central, approx. 3-mm layer of vibration-damping rubber. The construction reduces rolling noise and resonances, improving acoustic comfort inside the vehicle. Recommended for wall and ceiling linings, partitions, HVAC modules, and technical zones. Double-sided phenolic film provides additional protection against abrasion and acts as a barrier against moisture absorption.
For flooring and service platforms, surfaces with enhanced grip are crucial. Paged offers specialized anti-slip structures: Paged Hexa FR with hexagonal (hexa) embossing and Paged Mesh FR with a wire mesh pattern. Both combine fire retardancy (R118) with high static and dynamic friction, reducing the risk of slipping in wet, snowy, or grease-covered conditions. These structures are abrasion-resistant, making them ideal for entrance areas, ramps, corridors, standing areas, and the floors of semi-trailers and trailers. An additional advantage of the hexagonal structure is that it is easy to clean. In areas where a smooth, easily workable surface is needed, Paged Master Form FR or Paged Twin Form FR panels are recommended.
Paged Plywood’s FR film-faced plywood holds E20 type approval certificates. This means customers do not need to perform additional tests – the products are ready for immediate implementation in serial vehicle production, as well as for use during fleet servicing and modernization, including floor replacement, body repairs, or vehicle interior refurbishment.