Insulation industry news from Global Insulation

Spain: Etex has completed its acquisition of extruded polystyrene (XPS) and glass wool insulation producer URSA from Xella Group. URSA operates 13 plants and employs 1700 people.

Xella CEO Christophe Clemente said “With this portfolio simplification, Xella takes an important step, to focus its resources on the development of building materials solutions. With our complementary product types, autoclaved aerated concrete and calcium silicate products, we aim to strengthen our position as a leading European supplier of masonry solutions. I warmly thank the URSA teams for their achievements during the successful past years within Xella Group and wish them a bright future with Etex.”

Belgium: The government has reduced value-added tax (VAT) on insulation to 6% from 21%. The measure aims to reduce national natural gas consumption in order to be prepared for any future shortage. Belgium is 6% reliant on Russia for its gas supply. Utilities companies supplying the Benelux region have declined to settle their bills with Russia-based producer Gazprom in Russian Rubles, so face a shut-off. Energy Minister Tinne Van der Straeten said that the Port of Zeebrugge was ready to begin imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the US and elsewhere.

Van der Straete called on Belgians to ‘Insulate your homes, isolate Putin.’

US: Knauf Insulation has won a contract to recycle waste glass bottles from the NTT IndyCar Series Big Machine Music City Grand Prix in Nashville, Tennessee, on 5 – 7 August 2022.

Knauf Insulation’s vice president of sustainability and health, safety and environment Chris Mahin said "These types of unique recycling opportunities are valuable for Knauf as we continue to seek alternative sources for glass – the main ingredient in our high quality glass wool insulation.”

US: The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and Allergy Standards Limited (ASL) have certified Knauf Insulation’s Fiberglass Acoustic Panel glass wool insulation panel as Asthma and Allergy Friendly. The certification attests the product’s ability to limit pollutant and allergen exposure in the indoor environment.

Knauf Insulation’s senior vice president of customer experience, innovation, and sales Nathan Walker said “This Asthma and Allergy Friendly certification is evidence of Knauf’s commitment to providing high quality products that can improve indoor air quality and help create healthier home environments.”

US: Knauf Insulation is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the beginning of operations at its Shasta Lake glass wool insulation plant in California. Local press has reported that the company increased its capacity by 70% over the past two decades. Today, the Shasta Lake plant employs 156 people. It has implemented sustainable practices in its production, including the use of ECOSE Technology plant-based binders in the place of petrochemical alternatives. It also recycles 600,000 glass bottles daily, constituting 50% of its glass consumption. This presented the plant with difficulties when Covid-19 lockdowns reduced local waste glass generation.