Insulation industry news from Global Insulation

North America: Saint-Gobain has signed a 100MW solar power purchase agreement (PPA), called Danish Fields, with TotalEnergies. The Danish Fields PPA will supply Saint-Gobain North America with solar energy for 15 years, commencing in 2024. Saint-Gobain says that it expects the PPA to eliminate 90,000t/yr of CO₂ emissions across its operations. This is the group’s third deal of its kind.

Saint-Gobain North America CEO Mark Rayfield said “With this agreement, Saint-Gobain North America will further reduce its CO₂ emissions, demonstrating how fast the manufacturing industry can transform when long term solutions are at hand. This renewable energy project is a new milestone on the way to meeting Saint-Gobain’s commitment to reduce Scope 1 and 2 CO₂ emissions by 33% by 2030 compared to 2017, and to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.”

Ireland/US: Kingspan says that it recently opened informal talks about combining its business in North America with building products company Carlisle Companies. However, discussions came to an end when Carlisle Companies ‘rebuffed’ Kingspan, Bloomberg News has reported. Carlisle Companies’ products include its Hunter brand polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation panel.

Kingspan said "Kingspan has admired Carlisle for many years and, recognising the clear strategic fit, had recent and informal discussions on a potential transaction.” It added "At present, there is no active engagement."

Europe: US-based Owens Corning has joined the European Alliance to Save Energy (EU-ASE). The producer said that its membership in the alliance will help in its drive for best practices in material innovation and energy efficiency in Europe.

Owens Corning’s Europe regional regulatory and sustainability senior counsel said “Owens Corning is honoured to join the EU-ASE. This is an exciting opportunity to strengthen our partnerships with key stakeholders and continue to build a sustainable future through material innovation. We are committed to the European Green Deal objectives and will continue to share best practices and knowledge across industries on key sustainability topics, such as energy efficiency, sustainability and digitalisation, while contributing to the green transition in Europe.”

Belgium: Recticel has appointed Jan Vergote as its chief executive officer (CEO). He succeeds Olivier Chapelle, who will start the handover process in September 2023.

Vergote has worked as the head of a number of European companies notably in the flooring sector. He was the CEO of IVC Group from 2008 to 2021. Prior to this he was the managing director of Balta Group from 2003 to 2008 and Beaulieu International Group from 1996 to 2002.

South Korea: KCC has started operating its new second 48,000t/yr glass wool production line at its Gimcheon plant. Chair Chung Mong-jin and chief executive officer Jeong Jae-hun attended a ceremony marking the achievement in late August 2023. The company says that the new line is the largest single one of its type in the country.