Manufacturers of aluminium composite panels (ACP) are often asked whether their product is non-combustible. Since the Lacrosse apartment building fire in Melbourne two years ago, existing and new manufacturers have risen to the challenge, and are addressing this need in the industry for non-combustible aluminium composite panels.

Aluminium composite panels must be stringently tested to ensure they meet National Construction Code’s Building Code of Australia (BCA) regulations before they can be used in applications requiring a non-combustible product. Though there are strict regulations in place and it should be simple to confirm the rating of an ACP, misinformation is creating a lot of confusion in the market.

Fairview has compiled a list of FAQs about their deemed non-combustible ACP product, Vitracore G2. These FAQs will help builders and specifiers evaluate Vitracore G2, assess the compliance of other brands with the Deemed-to-Satisfy provisions of the BCA, and clear up some of the misinformation in the market.

1. As an aluminium composite panel, can Vitracore G2 be used where a non-combustible product is required?

A. Visually, Vitracore G2 is the same as a traditional composite panel; however, what makes it different is the technology of the core, which is constructed from a 100% aluminium structure rather than any combustible material.

2. What testing has Vitracore G2 undergone to be deemed ‘non-combustible’?

A. Vitracore G2 is deemed non-combustible in accordance with Clause C1.12(f) of the BCA as each laminate (layer) has been tested in accordance with AS1530.1 and all of the other requirements of Clause C1.12(f) are met.

3. Will I have to compromise on my design to use Vitracore G2 or another non-combustible ACP?

Vitracore G2 is visually and functionally similar to traditional ACP, so there is no need to compromise on the design.