Insulation industry news from Global Insulation

UAE: A researcher team at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) has developed a novel bio-polyester insulation based on polyhydroxybutyrate derived from date pits. The material has a thermal conductivity of below 0.1W/mK, with 80MPa compressive strength and 6 – 14MPa tensile strength. EurekAlert News has reported that the materials is also below 6% water absorbant.

Team leaders Amal Mlhem and Thomas Teklebrhan said that the bio-polyester insulation can lower the CO₂ emissions of commercial insulation and offer a biodegradable alternative.

US: The Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) has awarded construction, automotive and packaging products company Woodbridge the 2024 Polyurethane Innovation Award. The award acknowledges Woodbridge’s advancement of life-enhancing products and initiatives over the two-year period of June 2022 – June 2024.

Woodbridge vice president, advanced products and chemical technology, Mike Irwin said "We are pleased that Woodbridge has been honoured with the prestigious CPI Award. Our scientists have developed a proprietary process to seamlessly integrate biogenic carbon into our polyurethane foam. The result is TrimVisible BIO, a novel product that reduces CO₂."

CPI director Jason Sloan "CPI congratulates Woodbridge on this remarkable achievement. Sustainability is at the top of mind for manufacturers and the value chain. Woodbridge's TrimVisible BIO illustrates how polyurethanes are helping drive progress with durable solutions, and CPI is proud to recognise and honour Woodbridge on this cutting-edge innovation."