Abstract: A method of manufacturing a panel includes obtaining a textile scrap, the textile scrap consisting essentially of polyester, mechanically separating the textile scrap into a plurality of textile yarns, where each of the plurality of textile yarns has a first melting point that is greater than a first temperature, and obtaining a plurality of staple fibers, where the plurality of staple fibers includes bicomponent fibers each having a melting point that is less than the first temperature. The method further includes blending the plurality of textile yarns with the plurality of staple fibers to form a mixed blend of textile yarns and staple fibers, and heating and compressing the mixed blend to form the panel.

Abstract: A moldable batt is disclosed that comprises a fire-retardant cellulose, a fiber component, and a binder component. In one version of the invention, the fiber and binder components are provided as a conjugate fiber material. The batt is compressed and heated to form panels or other products that are particularly useful in the office furniture industry.