Global Gypsum Newsletter

Knauf Insulation North America announces American Institute of Architects webinars

US: Knauf Insulation North America is hosting a series of webinars for American Institute of Architects members and other building professionals. The programme consists of ‘Reducing asthma and allergy triggers through material selection,’ ‘Fibreglass insulation’s role in transparency and indoor air quality’ and ‘Leading material ingredient disclosure programmes – health product declarations and Declare labels.’

Knauf Insulation North America director of product and technical training Mickey Chastain said "Architects and building professionals are increasingly seeking materials and solutions that support healthier indoor environments and greater transparency."

Kingspan commissions Dammam insulation plant

Saudi Arabia: Kingspan has commissioned a new insulation plant in Dammam, Eastern Province. Besides producing insulation boards, the plant will also produce roofing systems and ductwork insulation for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Zawya News has reported that the plant will now scale up its production, with a view to also commencing export sales later in 2026.

Kingspan Insulation Middle East & Africa Managing director Sarmad Fakhri said that the commissioning ‘reflects Kingspan’s long-term commitment to Saudi Arabia's construction ecosystem and sustainability agenda.’

Kingspan acquires Duggan Profiles & Steel Service Centre

Ireland: Kingspan has acquired County Kilkenny-based steel components producer Duggan Profiles & Steel Service Centre from Duggan Steel. Duggan Profiles & Steel Service Centre produces single-skin construction sheets, purlins and rails, profiled steel sheeting, flashings and gutters. RTÉ News has reported that the Irish Competition and Consumer Protection Commission confirmed that the merger would ‘not substantially lessen competition in any market’ in Kilkenny.

Rockwool and Büchl set up stone wool recycling partnership

Germany: Recycling and waste processing company Büchl Entsorgungswirtschaft, based in Ingolstadt, and Rockwool, the Denmark-based manufacturer of stone wool insulation materials, have set up a strategic partnership to recycle stone wool insulation, with the inauguration of a new facility in Ingolstadt, Bavaria. The plant, the first of its kind in the state, allows the comprehensive collection, testing, processing, and reintegration of suitable rock wool waste into Rockwool's production cycle.

Büchl will provide significant support to Rockwool in achieving its sustainability and recycling goals, specifically within the framework of the Rockwool’s Rockcycle take-back system.

"With the new Rockwool recycling plant at the Büchl site in Ingolstadt, we are creating the foundation to reliably support our partners – and especially Rockwool – in the recycling process on an industrial scale. This sends a strong signal for resource conservation and a truly circular economy," said Jürgen Kienlein, Managing Director of Büchl Entsorgungswirtschaft, at the opening ceremony.

Rockwool to acquire Ravago Building Solutions’ Alsózsolca stone wool insulation plant

Hungary: Denmark-based Rockwool has concluded an agreement to acquire Ravago Building Solutions' 40,000t/yr-capacity Alsózsolca stone wool insulation plant in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén County. The producer says that it will use the plant to serve its domestic and Romanian markets. The parties expect to complete the deal in late 2026.

Rockwool CEO Jes Munk Hansen said "Our activities in Eastern Europe have been strong. With this acquisition, we will be further strengthening our ability to serve the regional market. We look forward to working closely with Ravago to ensure a smooth transition and to welcoming new colleagues, customers and suppliers."

BEWI grows first-quarter sales and earnings in 2026

Norway: BEWI recorded sales of €199m in the first quarter of 2026, up by 6% year-on-year from first-quarter 2025 levels. Group earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) of €22.2m, up by 43%. The producer's Insulation & Construction segment contributed 50% of sales, at €99.5m, down by 2% year-on-year. Its EBITDA remained level year-on-year at €8.3m.

During the quarter, BEWI opened a new expanded polystyrene (EPS) recycling line at its Fredrikstad insulation plant in Norway. The group adjusted its insulation capacity utilisation and expenditure amidst an on-going construction industry downturn and high inflation. It intensified measures to increase operational efficiency and price and margin management across all units. Additionally, BEWI initiated extra price adjustments to cover ‘rapid and high fluctuations’ in raw materials and energy costs. It now expects ‘further profitability increases’ based on its current volumes.

Masterplast raises sales through increased domestic focus in 2025

Hungary: Masterplast recorded sales of €171m in 2025, up by 26% year-on-year. Its earnings before interest, taxation, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) more than quadrupled to €9.2m. Thermal insulation systems sales fell by 3% but still accounted for the largest share of sales, at 39%. Geographically, sales grew by 78% in Hungary, by 11% in Poland and by 6% in Ukraine. However, they fell by 35% in Italy, by 17% in Slovakia, by 7% in Germany, by 10% in North Macedonia and by 6% in both Croatia and Romania.

Despite its sales and earnings growth, Masterplast’s net loss widened to €14.9m, more than triple its 2024 loss of €4.6m. The figure for 2025 included one-off losses of €7m, related to the discontinuation of a stone wool insulation plant project in Central Europe, and €2.6m in provisions for the closure of the group’s extruded polystyrene (XPS) production unit.

During 2025, Masterplast noted increased capacity utilisation at its expanded polystyrene (EPS) and XPS plants in Serbia. Other production units fell short of 2024 levels, while overall cost efficiency increased.

Knauf Insulation submits Shotton stone wool insulation plant plans

UK: Flintshire County Council has received Knauf Insulation UK & Ireland’s plans for its new, 100,000t/yr stone wool insulation plant at a former Tata Steel site in Shotton, Wales. The Daily Post newspaper has reported the submitted details for the plant as involving an investment of €231m and creating 137 direct and 131 indirect jobs. The project has provisional North Wales Growth Deal funding worth up to €16.2m.

Knauf Insulation UK & Ireland Project Director Ian Gornall said "The new facility will help us meet growing demand for non-combustible, low-carbon insulation, supporting the UK's net zero and building safety goals."