Product Data Sheet for High Pressure Laminates (HPL)

January 2022

Preface

High-pressure laminate (HPL) manufactured in accordance with EN 438 has been used in the construction and furniture sector for decades. The European standard EN 438 defines the material, requirements and properties of HPL.

HPL is a resin and paper-based (cellulose) thermosetting composite material and features a unique, extremely robust, resistant, modern decorative surface. HPL is found in all aspects of our day-to-day lives and can be self-supporting or used bonded to a substrate. The application and usage areas of HPL are extremely diverse and are constantly evolving. This requires regularly updated information about different applications and processing techniques. ICDLI technical bulletins are a valuable source for this knowledge.

This information describes the composition of HPL and gives advice for their handling, processing, use, and disposal. It covers all HPL grades as described in EN 438. HPL are not classified as hazardous substances and therefore they do not require a special marking nor a description by a safety data sheet.

The technical leaflet is prepared for manufacturers, processing companies and retailers of HPL.

This technical bulletin is an update and an expansion for the document issued in July 2014 covering the same topic.

It reflects the state of knowledge as of January 2022.