Insulation industry news from Global Insulation

Canada: Icynene has launched two new light density spray foam insulation products: Icynene Classic Ultra and Icynene Classic Ultra Select. A key feature for the new products is the elimination the requirement to paddle mix by hand prior to application with the introduction of an expanding blade mixer. The insulation producer also says that the new products offer significantly better cohesion than existing Icynene open-cell spray foam insulation products. The foams can also be sprayed at drum temperatures from 15℃ for Icynene Classic Ultra and from 20℃ for Icynene Classic Ultra Select

“The introduction of Icynene Classic Ultra and Icynene Classic Ultra Select demonstrates our commitment to delivering customer-valued innovation in the insulation category. Sprayers no longer need to paddle mix the resin material or wait for the liquid to warm up, so they can quickly start spraying these two high quality, high yielding products,” said Mark Sarvary, president of Icynene.

US: Canada’s Icynene has offered to buy Houston-based Lapolla Industries for US$160m. Under the terms of the merger agreement Icynene will acquire all the outstanding shares of Lapolla. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of regulatory approvals. Both companies produce polyurethane spray foam (SPF) insulation products.

"Icynene is thrilled to partner with Doug Kramer, the President and chief executive officer (CEO) of Lapolla, and his team as Icynene and Lapolla combine businesses to create an innovative leader in high yield SPF manufacturing and distribution," said Mark Sarvary, CEO of Icynene.

France: Icynene Europe, the European division of spray foam insulation manufacturer Icynene, has purchased Isolat France, a polyurethane insulation distributor. The acquisition will allow Icynene to sell light density spray foam insulation, obtain a Conformité Européene (CE) marking for spray foam insulation and to establish a presence in France.

“The acquisition reinforces Icynene’s commitment to growth within the European market with direct sales to contractors. Operating across two dozen European countries, Icynene Europe will now have a comprehensive product mix of open- and closed-cell spray foam insulation products that we will manufacture in Europe,” said Bertrand Lauret, Managing Director of Icynene Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

US: Element Partners, a growth equity firm focused on investing in businesses providing innovative products, software and services to the energy and industrial markets, has executed a definitive agreement to sell Icynene to FFL Partners.

Established in 1986, Icynene manufactures and supplies spray foam insulation. In the past 25 years, more than 3Bnft² of Icynene spray foam insulation has been installed in nearly 500,000 residential and commercial projects.

Belgium: Spray foam manufacturer, Icynene Inc, has formally opened its first European office in Brussels.

"Over the past 18 months, Icynene has experienced a significant growth in Europe, which we expect to continue at the same pace as we look to new markets in the region. Thermal regulations have become more stringent and are now focused on air-tightness and healthy insulation products. Icynene nicely fits into this new environment and brings alternative solutions to traditional insulation." said Bertrand Lauret, Managing Director of Abington Gate Europe, Icynene contact for Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

The office opened on 7 January 2012 following negotiations with the Brussels Science Incubator (BLSI). The office will initially accommodate two staff with an expansion expected later in 2013.

Established in 1986, Icynene builds energy-efficient residential and commercial structures in over 31 countries. Its products include light density open cell and medium density closed cell spray foam insulation for both insulation and air barrier purposes.