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Cladding refers to the external layer or covering of a building, typically made of a lightweight material such as aluminum, steel, or composite materials. Cladding can enhance the appearance of a building, provide insulation and weather resistance, and improve its energy efficiency. However, improper cladding installation or selection can pose serious safety risks and result in tragic consequences, as seen in several high-profile building fires in recent years.

The Grenfell Tower tragedy in London in 2017, where a fire in the building's cladding caused 72 deaths, brought attention to the importance of cladding safety. The inquiry into the fire found that the cladding was made of combustible materials and did not comply with building regulations. Since then, governments around the world have taken steps to improve cladding safety, including reviewing building regulations, banning combustible cladding, and requiring building owners to replace unsafe cladding.

One of the key issues with cladding is the materials used. Traditionally, cladding was made of materials such as brick, stone, or concrete, which are non-combustible cladding and offer good fire resistance. However, in recent years, the use of lightweight materials such as aluminum composite panels (ACP) has become popular due to their aesthetic appeal and cost-effectiveness. ACP consists of a polyethylene core sandwiched between two aluminum sheets and can be easily cut, shaped, and installed. However, the polyethylene core is highly combustible and can rapidly spread fire.