Safer with FR #4: – Paged FR non-flammable plywood – safe solutions for rail transport

In modern trains, trams, and subway cars, passenger safety is an absolute priority. In addition to advanced braking and drive systems, the materials used in the construction of interiors play a key role. In the event of a fire, every second counts, which is why structural elements and equipment must be tested for flame spread, smoke toxicity, and average heat emission to ensure safe evacuation.

Paged Plywood, as one of Europe’s leading plywood manufacturers with nearly 100 years of tradition, supplies specialized non-flammable plywood designed to meet these challenges.

European safety standard – EN 45545-2

The European Union has a strict standard that specifies the requirements for materials used in rail vehicles – EN 45545-2. It has replaced many national regulations, creating a uniform safety standard.

This standard specifies 26 sets of requirements (from R1 to R26) relating to the location and direction of use of materials. For each set, there are specific tests that the material must pass and criteria that must be met.

In addition, these criteria depend on the assigned fire hazard level (HL), which is determined by the type of train, evacuation time, and the length and configuration of the trainsets. HL1 is the lowest level and HL3 is the highest level of fire hazard. The most stringent requirements (for HL3) apply, for example, to sleeping cars in vehicles from which it is not possible to evacuate within four minutes through side access points in the event of a fire.

Advantages of using plywood in the construction and equipment of rail vehicles

The layered and cross-laminated structure of the wood layers, as well as effective fire-retardant technology, translate into a unique set of features and properties of Paged Plywood that are useful in rail transport:

• Lightweight yet highly durable – weight reduction in transport plays a key role, directly contributing to lower energy consumption, which in turn has an impact on cost efficiency and is beneficial for the environment. At the same time, when selecting materials, load-bearing capacity and durability in difficult operating conditions cannot be compromised. Plywood perfectly combines these functionalities.
• Ease of processing – plywood boards are easy to cut, mill, and drill using common and readily available tools, allowing for the creation of custom shapes and interior design elements.
• Eco-friendly solution – plywood is made from certified wood, which is a renewable resource, sourced in accordance with sustainable forest management practices and stores more carbon dioxide than the CO₂ emissions generated during the production of the boards.
• Appropriate fire resistance – Paged Plywood products offered to the railway industry have passed the tests specified in EN 45545-2, which is confirmed by flammability test reports.

Proven and certified Paged Plywood solutions for railways

Paged Plywood offers several products and variants that meet the following requirements of EN 45545-2:

• R1 – internal vertical surfaces (e.g., walls, doors), internal horizontal surfaces facing downwards (ceiling cladding, hatches, boxes, blinds), luggage storage areas,
• R2 – limited internal surfaces (small elements with an area of less than 0.2 m² and a single dimension of less than 1 m in one direction), tables, folding table tops,
• R6 – passenger seat housings,
• R7 – undersides of couchettes and beds, air ducts, including in locomotives,
• R10 – internal horizontal surfaces facing upwards, floor composites,
• R17 – complete passenger seats.

Paged BirchPly FR

Non-flammable hardwood plywood based on waterproof adhesive, with high resistance to mechanical loads. This product is available in several variants that meet the following requirements:

• R10 for hazard level HL3
• R1, R2, R6, R7, R17 for hazard level HL2
• R10 for hazard level HL3 in a single-sided film-coated version* (second side impregnated)

Paged BeechPly FR

Non-flammable beech plywood, waterproof, with very high mechanical strength due to the use of beech wood. The Paged Plywood range includes variants that meet the following requirements:

• R1, R7 for hazard level HL3
• R10 for hazard level HL3 in a single-sided film-coated version (second side impregnated)

Paged Phon FR

Non-flammable hardwood plywood, waterproof, enriched with a sound and vibration damping layer. The product combines high mechanical strength and high fire resistance obtained thanks to a special impregnation process. Additional functionalities, such as sound insulation and vibration reduction, are possible thanks to a 3-millimeter rubber damping layer placed symmetrically in the center of the panel.

Paged Phon FR meets the R10 requirements for HL3 hazard level. It is available in several variants:

• with birch veneer (without film)
• with beech veneer and single-sided film
• with birch veneer and double-sided film

Paged Master Form FR

Non-flammable hardwood plywood, waterproof, coated on both sides with phenolic film. It has high mechanical parameters suitable for demanding applications. Thanks to the film, it gains additional resistance to abrasion and moisture. This product meets the R10 requirements for hazard level HL3.

Niche solutions from a reputable manufacturer

By choosing Paged FR non-flammable plywood, rolling stock manufacturers invest in a proven, safe, and durable solution from a reputable European supplier, ensuring the highest standard of protection for passengers and staff.

*coated with abrasion-resistant phenolic film