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27 June 2025
Whether you're sourcing materials for construction, signage, interior fit-outs, or transport branding, the market is full of material options. Finding products that not only look good on your ESG report but also perform reliably in the field, are easy to fabricate, and cost-effective can quickly narrow down your choices. Yet, one option consistently stands out: aluminium composite panels. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about aluminium composite panels to decide if they’re the right choice for your next project.
Hang on, doesn’t Perspex Distribution just sell acrylic?
While PERSPEX® acrylic is indeed the market leading brand in high-quality acrylic sheets, at Perspex Distribution, we supply far more than just cast acrylic and extruded acrylic rods sheets. You probably interact with products from Perspex DIstributions more often than you realise; from road traffic signs and street signage to retail interiors and architectural projects, our products are used the world over. Among our standout materials is our Alupanel aluminium composite panel range, a collection of high-performance aluminium composite panels designed to meet the needs of today’s sustainability-conscious buyers.
Quick guide:
Aluminium composite panels (also known as ACP, ACM,, aluminium composite sheets, or sandwich panels) are engineered materials made from two thin aluminium sheets bonded to a lightweight, non-aluminium core. This unique construction makes ACP:
For anyone tasked with sourcing materials, sustainability is no longer a nice-to-have, it’s a must. But profitability and quality cannot be compromised. With aluminium composite panels, you get sustainability, quality, versatility, and affordability - all in one. Did you know? Our Alupanel® range uses at least 80% recycled content. The aluminium used for the skins is also an infinitely recyclable material, making aluminium composite panels a smart choice for a circular economy. To sum it up: aluminium composite panels are 80% recycled and fully recyclable. Explore your options or keep reading to find out more about what you can do with ACPs.
So we know that aluminium composite panels make a sustainable and effective choice, but you may well be wondering, what can aluminium composite panels be used for? To answer your question, a lot. ACP is used in a wide range of applications, thanks to its strength-to-weight ratio, weather resistance, and customisable finishes. Where aluminium composite panels are used:
Interested in your options? Explore our aluminium composite panelling range or speak to our experts to get quick product recommendations and no obligation pricing quotes.
It’s important to understand that while aluminium composite panels are incredibly versatile, they are not structural or foundational materials. Instead, ACPs act as cladding and surfacing layers, providing an attractive, protective “skin” over buildings, signs, or other surfaces. ACPs are typically used for:
ACPs are NOT designed for:
This distinction helps procurement professionals specify the right material for each job, ensuring both performance and compliance with safety and building standards.
ACPs Are Typically Used For
ACPs Are Not Designed For
Lightweight architectural features
Load-bearing or foundational elements in construction
Interior wall and ceiling coverings
Structural frameworks or support beams
Signage substrates and display panels
Heavy-duty flooring or paving
Vehicle fit outs
If you’ve just stumbled across aluminium composite panels (ACPs), you may be wondering what they’re actually an alternative to. In essence, ACPs offer a lightweight, versatile, and sustainable alternative to traditional cladding and surfacing materials used in construction, signage, transport, and interior applications. Below is a side-by-side comparison of ACPs against commonly specified alternatives, helping you quickly identify their strengths, and where other materials may fall short:
Feature
ACPs (Aluminium Composite Panels)
Solid Aluminium
Steel
Timber
PVC Foamex
Weight
Very lightweight
Heavier
Very heavy
Medium
Durability
High – corrosion and weather resistant
High – corrosion-resistant with coating
High – can rust if untreated
Prone to rot/warping if untreated
Fair – less impact resistance
Sustainability
80% recycled core, fully recyclable skins
Recyclable
Recyclable but high energy production
Renewable but deforestation concerns
Limited recyclability
Installation
Easy to cut, drill, and install
Requires specialist tools
Labour-intensive
Sawing and treatment needed
Easy to fabricate
Maintenance
Low – weather and UV-resistant finishes
Low with coatings
Medium – rust prevention needed
High – staining, sealing, repairs
Low – can yellow or become brittle
Fire Performance
Available in fire-retardant grades
Non-combustible
Combustible
Cost
Competitive and value-driven
Higher material cost
High – material and install cost
Variable – can be cost-effective
Cost-effective for temporary use
Applications
Cladding, signage, interiors, vehicle branding
Exterior panels, architectural features
Structural and cladding in heavy-duty use
Furniture, decorative panels
Signage, displays
Aesthetic Flexibility
Wide range of colours, finishes, and textures
Limited finishes
Industrial look – less flexibility
Natural look, can be stained/painted
Limited colour range
What’s important to note is that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, and at PERSPEX® Distribution, we understand that. Every project comes with its own set of priorities, whether that’s sustainability, budget, appearance, or performance. That’s why we supply a broad portfolio of materials including cast acrylic, polycarbonate sheets, aluminium composites, PVC foam, polyester sheets, solid PVC and more. Whether you’re working on architectural façades, transport branding, signage, or interior fit-outs, we’re here to help you find the right solution for your needs. Your aluminium panel options: Explore our comprehensive range of high-quality composite aluminium panels designed to meet diverse architectural, signage, and industrial needs.
Alupanel: A premium aluminium composite panel featuring a polyethylene core sandwiched between two 0.3mm aluminium skins. One side has a satin finish, the other 75% gloss, ideal for high-wear architectural and signage projects. Comes with a 5-year external guarantee (brushed and mirror finishes are for internal use only). Alupanel lite: A lighter alternative with thinner 0.21mm aluminium skins on both sides, one satin, one gloss. Maintains strength and flatness for easy cutting and fabrication but not suitable for high load-bearing applications. Available in a wide colour range. Alupanel A-lite digital: Built with a superior polyethylene core and 0.21mm A5005 alloy skins for enhanced corrosion resistance, rigidity, and impact strength. Both sides have a signal white matt finish specially developed to boost brightness and durability for digital and screen printing. Exclusive to Perspex Distribution. Alupanel smart: Constructed with a thinner 0.26mm aluminium skin, this panel remains highly formable and foldable. Offered with a 3-year warranty and available cut-to-size to fit your project needs. Alupanel mirror: Half the weight of glass mirrors and completely shatter resistant, this aluminium composite mirror panel is designed for internal use only, combining safety with a striking reflective finish. AlupanelFR: B1-rated fire-retardant panel with a lightweight, rigid core and 0.3mm aluminium skins. Optimised for digital printing with a signal white finish and backed by a 5-year external warranty. Not suitable for exterior cladding systems. Alupanel Traffic: Made in the UK specifically for road traffic signage, this panel features a 0.3mm aluminium front skin (uncoated milled surface for excellent sign production) and a polyester-coated reverse face. Certified to EN12899-1:2007, it offers a 12-year warranty on the permanent grade and a 5-year warranty on a lighter 0.2mm temporary version. Euro Lite: Lightweight with 0.2mm aluminium skins and a smooth white finish, this panel is ideal for hoarding boards and other non-load-bearing applications where a flat surface is essential for print. Transprint ACP: A budget-friendly aluminium composite panel with a 0.15mm skin, available in multiple colours. Best suited for short-term, flat applications where no heavy load is applied. We receive a lot of questions about aluminium composite panels, so let's answer them now: What are aluminium composite panels made of? Aluminium composite panels (ACP) consist of two thin aluminium sheets bonded to a core material, usually polyethylene. This combination provides excellent strength, flatness, and weather resistance.
What thicknesses and finishes are available? ACP typically feature aluminium skins between 0.15mm and 0.3mm thick. Finishes vary from matte, and, gloss, to brushed finish or mirror, depending on the panel type and application. At Perspex Distribution, we offer a wide range of composite aluminium panels for everything from signs and exhibitions to shop displays, interior design and more. Can aluminium composite panels be used outdoors? Yes, most ACP panels are designed for external use and come with warranties to match. However, some specialised panels, like Alupanel Mirror or brushed finishes , are intended for internal use only. For more information on choosing the right material for your needs, speak to our experts today. How sustainable are aluminium composite panels? ACP is highly durable and recyclable, extending their lifecycle and reducing waste. PERSPEX® focuses on responsible sourcing and environmentally friendly manufacturing practices. Why should I order aluminium panels from you? At Perspex Distribution, we are uniquely positioned as the exclusive trade supplier for the full Perspex DIstribution product portfolio. Dedicated entirely to serving trade customers, we focus on delivering outstanding customer service, dependable product availability, and expert technical support across all Perspex materials. Plus, we offer exclusive products only available through us, ensuring you get access to the very best range and quality for your projects. How much do composite aluminium panels cost? Prices vary based on the panel type, thickness, finish, and order volume. Specialty panels like lightweight or fire-retardant options may come at a premium compared to standard products. At Perspex Distribution, we cater to every scale of project and budget, offering competitive pricing you won’t find elsewhere. As the UK’s leading trade supplier of UK manufactured aluminium composite sheets, we provide unbeatable value alongside personalised quotes. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote tailored to your needs.
Ready to find the perfect aluminium panel for your project? Explore our full range of composite aluminium panel options designed to deliver the right balance of durability, weight, finish, and functionality. Whether you need lightweight ease, fire resistance, or digital print optimisation, we’ve got the panel to match your needs. For more information, including order enquiries, product recommendations, cut to length requests and pricing quotes - speak to our experts today.