Insulation industry news from Global Insulation

Germany: Chemicals producer BASF has partnered with RAMPF Eco Solutions, Poland-based Remondis Electrorecycling and engineering company KraussMaffei to develop depolymerisation techniques to produce polyol from waste polyurethane (PU) fridge insulation, as an alternative to natural hydrocarbons. The recovered polyol could then be used as a raw material in PU insulation production.

BASF said "This innovative process is particularly challenging because it has to be very robust in order to reliably convert post-consumer waste with high levels of foreign substances into a high-quality recycled polyol.”

Waste fridge insulation's only current use is as an alternative fuel by the energy sector.

Romania: Knauf Insulation will invest Euro135m in expanding its Târnăveni glass wool insulation plant and building a new adjacent plant at the site. Knauf Insulation says that the major expansion will advance the Romanian government's 'energy savings offensive' by supporting a renovation drive for the country’s housing stock. The government aims to increase the national area of modern renovated properties by a factor of six, with a Euro30bn allocation from its Recovery and Resilience Fund.

Germany-based Knauf's managing partner Alexander Knauf said “The commitment demonstrates our trust and confidence in the country and our employees. We look forward to becoming part of the local community. Together, we are setting new standards for building and living in Romania.”

Operations at the original Târnăveni glass wool insulation plant recently recommenced following a Euro4m upgrade by Knauf Insulation, which completed its acquisition of the plant in May 2022. Previous owner Gecsat produced insulation at the site from 2008.

Belgium: Germany-based Covestro has broken ground on the construction of a new Euro300m aniline plant in Antwerp. The plant will supply aniline for methyl diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) production in the region. Forecasts cited by the chemicals producer posit global annual MDI demand growth of 6% into the medium-term future.

Covestro's chief technology officer Klaus Schafer said “Even in challenging times, we must not lose sight of our goals. With the expansion of our aniline production, we are addressing the further increase in demand from our customers for energy-efficient insulation." He added “By using state-of-the-art technology, we are increasing the energy efficiency of production, and thereby the competitiveness, of the Antwerp site.”

India: Germany-based chemicals producer BASF has broken ground on its construction of a polyurethane (PU) application development laboratory in Mumbai, Maharashtra. From its inauguration in 2024, the laboratory will offer customer support services including customised formulations, line trials and training sessions PU industry partners, including insulation producers. In this, it will support the work of BASF’s existing Creation Center at its Mumbai Innovation Campus.

BASF’s senior vice president, performance materials Asia Pacific, Andy Postlethwaite said “As a part of the global innovation network, the lab will enable global and regional BASF teams to work closely with local customers in testing and formulation optimisation. BASF has been providing technical services to customers, enabling the co-creation of innovative product solutions with its high-performance materials. With our strength in innovation and comprehensive range of high-quality solutions, we help our customers meet increasingly stringent regulatory standards and optimise product properties for their specific needs at an early stage.”

US: Hemp Inc.’s Hempcrete insulation panels have received approval for residential construction use in an appendix to the US Residential Building Code. Hempcrete insulation consists of hemp stalk hurd and lime. It is fire-resistant, moisture regulating and sequesters CO₂ naturally due to its hemp content.

Hemp Inc. operates a multi-purpose hemp processing plant in Spring Hope, North Carolina.