An improved method of producing a friction material for use in the production of brake pads. A first mixing step blends binder, fiber, and filler materials together in a mixer to create a pre-mix, with one of the materials doubling as a wetting agent promoting the homogeneity of the mixture. A second non-asbestos material is added to the pre-mix in the same mixer, and the two are mixed together to produce the final friction material.