Insulation industry news from Global Insulation

UK: Wull Technologies has secured funding to scale production of its LAMDA sheep’s wool-based insulation panels. The company will produce the panels at its Manchester plant, using wool from sheep in Wales. Farming UK News has reported that the insulation is both recyclable and biodegradable. It matches the thermal and acoustic performance of mineral wool, but with increased moisture management ability.

The University of Manchester's Innovation Factory and the Greater Manchester Combined Authority supplies the latest funding, bringing the total received by the company to €597,000.

Technical Director Liam Britnell said "We set out to use materials science to open up new markets for this abundant and underutilised material. Rigid panel insulation is widely used and preferred across the construction sector because it is easy to handle, install and cut to shape."

UK: France-based Saint-Gobain says that it will build a stone wool insulation plant in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, at the site of the former Holwell foundry. The plant will use electrical heat and be powered by renewable sources. When operational in 2027, it will have a capacity of 50,000t/yr and employ 250 people.

UK: Knauf Insulation plans to build a €202m, 100,000t/yr stone wool insulation plant in Shotton, Flintshire. The new Shotton plant will produce reduced-CO₂ insulation using a submerged arc furnace (SAF). It will be Knauf Insulation’s second in North Wales, along with its existing Queensferry stone wool insulation plant, also in Flintshire. The company’s other UK plants are in Cwmbrân, Gwent, and St Helens, Merseyside.

Managing director of Knauf Insulation Northern Europe Neil Hargreaves said "This project aligns with the Welsh and UK governments’ commitments to sustainability and the industrial vision for North Wales and Deeside. Using UK-first SAF technology, the new factory will support the need for safer, more energy efficient and sustainable buildings."

The new Shotton plant accords with the UK government’s €190m plans for a Flintshire and Wrexham Investment Zone, centred on ‘advanced manufacturing’ and intended to attract €1.19bn of private investments.

Japan: Nichias Corporation has resolved to dissolve its stone wool subsidiary Kimitsu Rockwool Corporation and filed for its liquidation. In a filing to the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the group said that Kimitsu Rockwool Corporation ceased production in March 2024, amid ‘soaring’ energy and raw materials costs. It has completed disposal of its production equipment.

Romania: Belgium-based Metigla plans to invest €15m in an automation upgrade and expansion to its Ceptura, Prahova, plant, which produces insulated metal roofing systems. Romania-Insider News has reported that the plant produces its own mineral wool insulation panels, along with other components for its roofing systems.

CEO Olivier Somers said the company prioritises long-term growth through local production and innovation. Metigla recorded sales of €27.5m in 2024, approximately €4.13m (15%) of which was through exports. Somers added "Romania remains our centre of gravity, and the Ceptura factory is a clear expression of how local excellence can have an international impact.”