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.
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 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
PAGED Plywood at YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyK3RLmZv1dTicvjpPhbH0Q
PAGED Plywood at LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pagedplywood/
PAGED Plywood at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pagedplywood/
About PAGED Plywood S.A.:
Founded over 90 years ago, PAGED Plywood S.A. is now one of the largest plywood manufacturers in the European Union. The company employs approximately 1,700 people and operates five production facilities across Poland and Estonia. It offers innovative solutions and products used in various sectors, including interior design and furnishings, construction, transport, and packaging, across more than 40 markets worldwide. Since 2019, Paged has been developing and implementing technological and product innovations based on the unique expertise of its own R&D centre – Paged LabTech. PAGED Plywood S.A. is part of Thumos Group, a private Polish industrial and investment consortium. www.pagedplywood.com
Media relations:
Magdalena Kicińska, magdalena.kicinska@paged.pl , tel.: +48 725 520 874
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