PRISMI MGC | Rubber-Cork Acoustic Underlay for Floating Floors: Certified Impact Sound Insulation for Renovation
PRISMI MGC rubber cork underlay combines recycled SBR rubber granules and natural cork into a high- performance acoustic layer. Unlike MGE (designed for sub-screed applications), MGC installs directly under floating floors — parquet, laminate or LVT — with no new screed required: the ideal solution for renovation projects. Available in 3 mm (ΔLw 18 dB) and 5 mm (ΔLw 20 dB), independently tested by an ACCREDIA-accredited laboratory per UNI EN ISO 10140-3:2021 (test reports n. 437866 and n. 437867, 18 Feb 2026). Made by Prismi Srl — Monteprandone, Italy — specialist in recycled rubber since 1990.
MGC combines three properties no single-material underlay can match:
(1) recycled rubber elasticity absorbs impact vibrations with shape-memory stability over 20+ years;
(2) natural cork amplifies attenuation in the mid-frequency range (1,000–3,150 Hz) — the most annoying to the human ear;
(3) ultra-thin profile (2–5 mm) enables direct installation under any floating floor finish without raising floor height excessively — critical in renovation where doors, thresholds and services are already fixed.
PRISMI MGC Acoustic Underlay | Product Description
PRISMI MGC represents the benchmark in rubber-cork acoustic underlay for flooring renovation. Manufactured by PRISMI Srl, an Italian company with over 35 years of expertise in rubber recycling, the MGC underlay is a composite roll combining selected recycled rubber granules (from end-of-life tyres, ELT) blended with ground natural cork and densified with non-toxic polyurethane binders to a nominal density of 720 kg/m³. The dual-phase rubber-cork matrix creates a resilient attenuation system that effectively absorbs and dissipates impact vibrations, reducing footstep noise transmission to the floor structure below.
Unlike the MGE underlayment (designed for installation under floating screeds in new construction), PRISMI MGC is engineered for direct installation under floating floor finishes: hardwood, laminate, LVT/SPC vinyl click, cork or fibreboard. This makes it the definitive solution for building renovation where no new screed is planned and where controlling the floor build-up thickness is paramount.
ACCREDIA-accredited laboratory tests (reports n. 437866 and n. 437867, dated 18 February 2026, per UNI EN ISO 10140-3:2021) certify: MGC 3 → ΔLw 18 dB and MGC 5 → ΔLw 20 dB. Both reduce the normalised impact sound pressure level Ln,r,w from 78 dB (bare reference floor) to 60 dB (MGC 3) and 58 dB (MGC 5), across the full spectrum 100–5,000 Hz.
Key Characteristics of PRISMI MGC Rubber-Cork Acoustic Underlay
Certified Acoustic Performance
Certifications & Regulatory Compliance
PRISMI MGC delivers measurable, certified impact sound insulation under floating floors:
- MGC 3 (3 mm): ΔLw = 18 dB — Ln,r,w = 60 dB — Measurement uncertainty: ±1.7 dB
- MGC 5 (5 mm): ΔLw = 20 dB — Ln,r,w = 58 dB — Measurement uncertainty: ±1.6 dB
- Effective attenuation spectrum: 100–5,000 Hz — covers all impact noise sources
- Nominal density: 720 kg/m³ — surface mass: 2.2 kg/m² (MGC 3) / 3.6 kg/m² (MGC 5)
- Waterproof, resistant to moisture, mould, chemicals and mineral oils
- Estimated service life exceeding 20 years with correct installation — no elastic membrane degradation
PRISMI MGC is a high recycled-content green material incorporating rubber from end-of-life tyres and renewable natural cork — strategically positioned for ESG, CAM, LEED and BREEAM compliance:
- ✔ A+ VOC Certification — French regulation (Report 436820, January 2026)
- ✔ Italian CAM Edilizia 2025 — eligible for public procurement
- ✔ AgBB / ABG (Germany) — indoor air quality verified
- ✔ Belgian VOC Regulation — indoor emissions compliant
- ✔ LEED v4.1 – Low Emitting Materials
- ✔ BREEAM® NOR and International – Exemplary Level
- ✔ EMICODE® EC1 PLUS (compatibility)
- ✔ Blue Angel DE-UZ 156
- ✔ EU Taxonomy (Regulation EU 2020/852)
- ✔ 100% recyclable at end of life — waste code EWC 070213
Fast, Easy Installation Under Any Floating Floor | No Adhesive Required
MGC features an extremely simple installation process — no adhesives needed in floating applications. Optimal installation sequence:
1. Substrate preparation
2. Roll out MGC
3. Perimeter upstand
4. Lay floor finish
Ensure the subfloor is clean, dry and flat.
Lay rolls across the floor, edges butted or lapped 50 mm, working away from the door.
Turn MGC 50–80 mm up against all walls to eliminate acoustic flanking bridges.
Install hardwood, laminate, LVT or cork click directly on top — no adhesive required.Cut the upstand flush and fit the skirting board to conceal the perimeter edge.
MGC is fully compatible with underfloor heating systems: thermal conductivity (≈ 0.09 W/mK at 3 mm) does not impair heating efficiency. Available in 1,000 mm and 1,250 mm widths, with standard and custom roll lengths on order.
Applications of PRISMI MGC in Construction and Renovation
Residential Renovation | Apartments, Houses and Multi-Family Buildings
MGC acoustic underlay is the preferred solution for apartment renovation in multi-storey buildings, where impact sound insulation is a regulatory requirement and a practical necessity for living comfort. Its thin profile (2–5 mm) minimises floor height build-up — critical in renovation projects where doors, thresholds and services are already in place. Rapid installation — no screed, no adhesive — reduces fitting time by 30–40%. Ideal under hardwood, laminate, LVT/SPC vinyl, cork flooring and any click system.
Offices, Retail and Commercial Spaces | Acoustic Comfort and Productivity
In offices and commercial environments, impact noise between floors reduces productivity and creates dissatisfaction for workers and customers. MGC eliminates this with measurable attenuation (ΔLw 18–20 dB) without requiring invasive structural works. Installation under floating floors in offices, showrooms, retail and hospitality spaces is rapid. MGC withstands high distributed loads and maintains its mechanical and acoustic properties over time under intensive commercial use.
Hotels, Hospitals, Schools | Where Silence is a Quality Standard
In hotels, healthcare facilities and educational institutions, sound insulation is a prerequisite for service quality and regulatory compliance. MGC underlay is installed during renovation of hotel rooms, hospital wards and school classrooms, ensuring compliance with national and international acoustic standards. CAM and EU Taxonomy certification makes it eligible for public procurement and green building contracts across the EU, UK, USA and UAE.
MGC vs Alternative Acoustic Underlay Materials | Performance Comparison
Aspect | MGC Rubber-Cork Underlay | PE Foam | Synthetic Felt | HDF Fibreboard |
ΔLw Impact Reduction | 18–20 dB (ISO certified) | 8–12 dB (uncertified) | 14–16 dB (variable) | 16–18 dB (tested) |
Thickness | 2–5 mm | 2–5 mm | 3–5 mm | 3–5 mm |
Service Life | ≥ 20 years | 5–10 years | 8–12 years | 10–15 years |
Moisture Resistance | Excellent | Medium | Poor | Medium |
VOC Certification | A+ (certified) | None / variable | None standard | Often EC1 |
Sustainability | High (recycled + cork) | Low | Medium | Medium |
UFH Compatibility | Yes | Yes | Yes | Partial |
LEED / BREEAM eligible | Yes | No | No | Conditional |
Market Positioning | Premium — justified | Budget | Mid-range | Mid-high |
Technical Specifications | PRISMI MGC Range
Parameter | MGC 2 | MGC 3 | MGC 4 | MGC 5 |
Nominal thickness | 2 mm | 3 mm | 4 mm | 5 mm |
Nominal density | 720 kg/m³ | 720 kg/m³ | 720 kg/m³ | 720 kg/m³ |
Surface mass | ~1.4 kg/m² | 2.2 kg/m² | ~2.9 kg/m² | 3.6 kg/m² |
Certified ΔLw | Testing in progress | 18 dB ±1.7 dB | Testing in progress | 20 dB ±1.6 dB |
Ln,r,w reference floor | — | 60 dB | — | 58 dB |
Standard roll width | 1,000 / 1,250 mm | 1,000 / 1,250 mm | 1,000 / 1,250 mm | 1,000 / 1,250 mm |
Test standard | ISO 10140-3 | ISO 10140-3:2021 | ISO 10140-3 | ISO 10140-3:2021 |
VOC certification | A+ | A+ | A+ | A+ |
UFH compatible | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Primary application | Thin laminate 6–8 mm | Hardwood/Laminate | Hardwood/Vinyl | Thick hardwood/HDF |
General Specification MGC | Value |
Composite material | Recycled rubber granules (ELT) + natural cork + polyurethane binders |
Roll lengths | Standard and custom on order |
Minimum order quantity | 32 rolls (standard range) — lead time ~20 days |
Operating temperature | -20°C / +80°C |
Fire reaction | Class B2 (DIN 4102) — self-extinguishing |
Recyclability | 100% recyclable — waste code EWC 070213 |
Export availability | Yes — B2B supply globally: EU, UK, USA, UAE and beyond |
Why Choose PRISMI MGC | Advantages for Building Material Distributors
Market Value and Competitive Positioning for Distributors
PRISMI MGC is a high-value product for building materials distributors: positioned in the premium segment with a performance-to-cost ratio superior to standard synthetic underlays. Its durability (20+ years), reduced installation costs (no adhesive, fast laying) and growing market demand for certified acoustic solutions make it a high-turnover item with attractive margins. Minimum order quantities are structured to optimise pallet loading, ensuring logistical efficiency for both domestic and international supply.
Green Building Compliance | Public Procurement and ESG Markets
With certifications including A+ VOC, LEED v4.1, BREEAM, CAM Edilizia and EU Taxonomy, PRISMI MGC is qualified for green building specifications and public procurement tender documents. This opens distributor access to public sector contracts, hotel chains, residential developers and general contractors focused on ESG criteria. Growing demand for eco-certified construction materials across the EU, UK, USA and UAE positions MGC as a strategic product for international distribution.
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Frequently Asked Questions | PRISMI MGC Rubber-Cork Acoustic Underlay
What is PRISMI MGC and what is it designed for?
PRISMI MGC is a rubber-cork acoustic underlay designed for direct installation under floating floor finishes (hardwood, laminate, LVT vinyl, cork) without a screed. It reduces impact sound transmission by ΔLw 18 dB (MGC 3) and ΔLw 20 dB (MGC 5), certified per UNI EN ISO 10140-3:2021. Ideal for residential and commercial renovation where acoustic insulation is required without structural modification.
What is the difference between MGC underlay and MGE underlayment?
MGC (rubber-cork underlay) is installed directly under floating floor finishes (hardwood/laminate) in renovation — no new screed needed. MGE (recycled rubber SBR underlayment) is installed under floating screeds in new construction. Composition, density and application are distinct: MGC for under-floor, MGE for under-screed.
Is PRISMI MGC certified for LEED, BREEAM and green procurement projects?
Yes. PRISMI MGC holds A+ VOC certification (French standard, Report 436820, January 2026), complies with Italian CAM Edilizia 2025, LEED v4.1 Low Emitting Materials, BREEAM® International Exemplary Level, AgBB Germany, Blue Angel DE-UZ 156 and EU Taxonomy (Reg. EU 2020/852). Suitable for green public and private tender specifications.
How is PRISMI MGC acoustic underlay installed under hardwood or laminate flooring?
Roll out MGC on a clean, dry subfloor with edges butted or lapped 50 mm. Turn up 50–80 mm against walls to prevent acoustic flanking. Install floating floor (hardwood, laminate, vinyl click) directly on top — no adhesive required. Available in 1,000/1,250 mm widths. Skirting board covers the perimeter upstand.
How can building material distributors purchase PRISMI MGC? Are price lists available?
Domestic and international distributors can request price lists, supply terms and technical samples directly from PRISMI Srl via the contact form on soundproof-rubber-rolls.com. MGC is available on order with a minimum of 32 standard rolls, ~20-day lead time. PRISMI handles B2B supply for Italy, EU, UK, USA, UAE and other markets.
Is PRISMI MGC acoustic underlay compatible with underfloor heating systems?
Yes. MGC has a low thermal conductivity (≈ 0.09 W/mK at 3 mm) compatible with hydronic and electric underfloor heating systems. It is installed under the floating floor finish, not impairing heating efficiency. Always verify the full floor build-up with your structural engineer to optimise both acoustic insulation and thermal output.
What is the difference between MGC 3 and MGC 5 rubber cork underlay?
MGC 3 (ΔLw 18 dB, 3 mm) is the right choice when door clearances or existing thresholds limit available height. MGC 5 (ΔLw 20 dB, 5 mm) delivers superior
impact sound reduction with only 2 mm more. For apartments in multi-storey buildings with noticeable footstep noise, we recommend MGC 5.
