65 dB Noise Limit Becomes Mandatory Huntsman’s Acoustic Breakthrough Redefines Future Housing

Starting May 1, 2025, the new GB 55038-2025 Residential Project Code officially took effect in China, introducing compulsory acoustic standards for residential buildings. In response to this major upgrade, Huntsman, a global leader in specialty chemicals, showcased its cutting-edge SILENTANE™ acoustic system at the “Sound into the Future” forum in Shanghai, co-hosted with China Academy of Building Research and other organizations.

With China’s government now explicitly highlighting “better housing” in its national development plans, acoustic comfort has emerged as a key indicator of residential quality. Over 70% of homeowners list poor soundproofing as their top concern, surpassing structural or visual issues. In this context, Huntsman’s polyurethane-based sound insulation technology is offering a timely and transformative solution.

At the heart of Huntsman’s innovation lies the SILENTANE™ microcellular damping elastomer, a high-performance material that combines noise reduction with thermal insulation. The system integrates a floating floor structure using polyurethane and porous fiber composites, effectively blocking low-frequency impact sounds like footsteps and furniture movement. It not only meets but exceeds the national floor impact sound limit of 65 dB, achieving levels below 55 dB in real-world applications.

Beyond acoustics, SILENTANE™ delivers outstanding thermal and environmental performance: a thermal conductivity of ≤0.030W/(m·K), system heat transfer coefficient of <1.5W/(m²·K), B1 fire resistance, and ultra-low emissions with TVOC ≤ 0.5mg/m²·h and formaldehyde ≤ 0.08mg/m³. It also supports lightweight construction, space efficiency, and easy installation, making it ideal for sustainable building design.

Already applied in residential projects in Shanghai, the solution has passed the UK’s Robust Details certification, one of the most rigorous acoustic standards worldwide. This positions Huntsman as a global benchmark for soundproof housing systems, offering a replicable model for industry-wide adoption.

By aligning with China’s carbon neutrality goals and the rising demand for high-quality living, Huntsman is building a technology-industry-certification ecosystem that accelerates acoustic innovation across the value chain. Its collaboration with developers, design firms, and certifiers signals a new era of quiet, green housing, where every household benefits from innovation you can hear—or rather, not hear.