Insulation industry news from Global Insulation

Ukraine: Kingspan has broken ground on the €280m construction of its upcoming Lviv building materials complex in the western oblast of the same name. The complex will produce insulation, among other products, and also supply district heating. The Irish Times newspaper has reported that Kingspan first committed to a future expansion of its operations in Ukraine in 2022, after Russia invaded the country and occupied parts of its eastern oblasts of Crimea, Donetsk, Kharkiv, Kherson, Luhansk and Zaporizhzhia.

Project Director Mike Stenson said “Despite the perceived distance from the frontline, Lviv has experienced its share of conflict, highlighting the risks associated with such an investment. Nevertheless, Kingspan's move is seen as a bold step towards aiding Ukraine's economic recovery and demonstrating the country's viability for business amidst challenging conditions.”

New Zealand: Parliament has passed the Building Act, allowing the import of ‘thousands’ of building products, including gypsum wallboard, insulation and cladding systems. The act allows for cited standards, according to which the Minister for Building Construction will be able to issue a notice to recognise overseas product standards and certification schemes for local use.

UK: Rockwool subsidiary Wetherby Wall Systems has launched SOQEL A2, an external wall insulation system for use below damp-proof course. The system integrates Rockwool’s Coverrock X-2 pre-coated insulation with Heck K+A SL coating and Heck CER mesh. Specification Online News has reported that the system complies with the A2-s1,d0 UK fire standard for buildings over 11m tall.

Technical director Joe Ragdale said “We have worked alongside our Rockwool sister company Heck in Germany to launch this innovative system into the UK market. This solution provides architects and contractors working on remediation projects with a compliant, durable, and efficient way to enhance building safety.”

Austria: The insulation association Building Envelope and Insulation Industry (GDI) has reported a 1.9Mm³ decline in annual insulation sales since 2021. The hardest-hit segment was reportedly alternative insulation, with declines in cellulose, sheep wool and hemp. The OÖ Nachrichten newspaper has reported that the association attributed the decline to an on-going ‘property sector downturn,’ with homeowners stalling their refurbishment plans. The GDI praised the recent easing of lending guidelines and renewed submissions for reserved funding under the Sanierungsbonus insulation scheme.

GDI Chair Roland Hebbel said “A rebound in the construction industry is becoming increasingly urgent.”