Insulation industry news from Global Insulation

Germany: The Fraunhofer Institute for Environmental, Safety, and Energy Technology in Oberhausen is reportedly looking for partnerships through which to commercialise its new aerogel-based insulation. WAZ Plus News has reported that the insulation consists of porous beads made of 99% air.

Materials from the Fraunhofer Institute’s pilot plant have featured in construction projects including in the historic Hanseatic Quarter of Lübeck, Schleswig-Holstein, and the town hall of Hohen Neundorf in Brandenburg.

Ireland: Kingspan says that its latest modifications to its GreenGuard GG300 insulation boards have further reduced their thermal conductivity to 0.033W/mK. Specification Online News has reported that the producer says that this will facilitate slimmer construction while still meeting U-values, especially important in high compressive strength-applications such as inverted roofs and flooring. Accordingly, the boards are now also available in a new, slimmer 180mm thickness. The entire range of GreenGuard GG300 boards integrates with Kingspan's BIM Designer software platform.

Ukraine: Construction firm Rauta recorded 15% year-on-year growth in the Ukrainian insulation sector’s domestic sales of insulated sandwich panels in the first half of 2024. Meanwhile, imports of the product dropped by 12% over the same comparison period. Consumption totalled 1Mm², in line with 2023 volumes. Business World News has reported that Rauta noted a shift from other panel types towards polyisocyanurate (PIR) core panels.

Construction activity remains mostly concentrated in Western Ukraine due to the on-going Russian invasion in other areas of the country, with investors reportedly remaining cautious. Ukraine’s construction market has declined by 60 – 70% from antebellum levels in 2021.

Saudi Arabia: Foam pipe insulation producer Perma-Pipe International Holdings has secured contracts worth US$10m for major infrastructure projects in Madinah, Makkah and Riyadh. Perma-Pipe International Holdings will deliver pipes fitted with its Xtru-Therm polyurethane (PU) spray foam insulation systems. Some of the deliveries will be served by the company’s upcoming Madinah plant, scheduled for commissioning in August 2024.

President and CEO David Mansfield said "Our new investment in Madinah further supports our growth plans and the Kingdom's 2030 vision. We are extremely proud to be playing our part to realise this vision. It has been very encouraging to see the development of strong leadership and a passion for high levels of customer service which has resulted in these accomplishments, enabling Perma-Pipe to go from strength-to-strength."

Germany: Insulation installation start-up Varm has secured €5.7m in seed funding to expand its operations across Europe. The round was led by Emerge and Pale Blue Dot, with contributions from Noa, Foundamental and previous investors.

CEO Christian Gruener said “We are building a scalable infrastructure for insulation. This funding will help us expand and innovate, making insulation more accessible and affordable for everyone.”

Romania: Saint-Gobain Romania has launched the Saint-Gobain National Trophy contest. The contest recognises exceptional projects due for completion by the end of 2024 which incorporate materials supplied by Saint-Gobain Romania. Local press has reported that judges will evaluate projects’ excellence in execution, sustainability and effective utilisation of their incorporated Saint-Gobain products. The company will receive submissions until 31 October 2024.

Poland: Xella has supplied its Multipor mineral wool insulation in the revitalisation of a building complex at the historic Franciszek mine shaft in Ruda Śląska, Silesian Voidodeship. Xella says that the initiative aims to transform the complex into a vibrant cultural and community space.

Ruda Śląska urban monuments conservator Łukasz Urbańczyk said "We are carrying out a full range of works there, including wall straightening, roof refurbishment and internal insulation. Multipor products were chosen to keep the brick façades intact. Once the brick façades have been cleaned, the shaft buildings will be fully restored to their former glory."

Kazakhstan: Denmark-based COBOD supplied its BOD2 3D printer for use in BM Partners’ construction of a house in Almaty. BM Partners designed the house, which has enhanced weather and earthquake resistance. It is fitted with expanded polystyrene concrete (EPC) insulating blocks.

Germany/Ukraine: The Würzburg Prosecutor's Office has opened a preliminary investigation into Knauf over its alleged involvement in the on-going reconstruction of Russian-occupied Mariupol. The investigation will seek to establish whether an ‘initial suspicion’ of criminal activity exists. Germany-based media outlet ARD published its allegation of Knauf’s involvement in the reconstruction via the use of its materials earlier in April 2024.

The producer denied the allegations, adding that it complies with relevant laws and sanctions.