Insulation industry news from Global Insulation
UK: Knauf Insulation has submitted plans for a €196m, 100,000t/yr mineral wool insulation plant in Shotton, Flintshire. The plans involve the use of 120,000t/yr of basalt, slag and recycled stone wool insulation to produce insulation, using a submerged arc furnace (SAF). Local press has reported that the plans will now be subject to scoping opinion, ahead of an environmental impact assessment.
Regional Managing Director Northern Europe Neil Hargreaves said "Knauf has a proud history of production in Wales and this project aligns with the Welsh and UK governments’ commitment to sustainability and the industrial vision for North Wales and Deeside, using UK-first SAF technology."
Indonesia: The Indonesian Safeguards Committee started an investigation into slag wool, rock wool and similar mineral wools (including intermixtures) in bulk, sheets or rolls from late July 2023. It scheduled a hearing in mid-August 2023 for interested parties - such as importers and exporters - to present their views and evidence on the matter.
A safeguard investigation seeks to determine whether increased imports of a product are causing, or threatening to cause, serious injury to a domestic industry. A World Trade Organisation member may take a safeguard action, including the temporary restriction of imports, only if the increased imports of the product are found to be causing, or threatening to cause, serious injury.
