Kazakhstan: KazFeltec and Italy-based Cormatex plan to build a Euro10m natural wool insulation plant in Aktobe Region. Kazakhstan General Newsline has reported that the plant will use local coarse sheep’s wool, a waste product of which 3500t/yr is generated currently in Aktobe. The plant is scheduled for commissioning in mid-late 2023.

Russia: The Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian government says that building materials are in high supply, but projected possible future shortages, beginning in 2024. Russian construction remains dependent on imports, and the government says that it will look to further develop the domestic production capacity of insulation and other materials from 2024.

France: Ireland-based Kingspan has closed its acquisition of Ondura Group. The group consists of light roofing producer Onduline, membranes producer CB and waterproofing systems producer Alwitra. It operates plants in four European countries, as well as Brazil, Malaysia, Turkey and the US. Law firm Clifford Chance, a long-term partner of Kingspan, advised the insulation group through the deal.

On 27 September 2022, Kingspan acquired waterproofing membranes producer Derbigum in neighbouring Belgium. Derbigum has recycled 30,000t of bitumen in its operations to date.

Hungary: Masterplast says that it has signed an option contract to acquire the outstanding 76% stake of expanded polystyrene (EPS) producer T-Cell Plasztik. T-Cell Plasztik holds a 10% market share in Hungarian polystyrene production, and recorded revenues of US$7.91m in 2021.

Masterplast first acquired a 24% stake in T-Cell Plasztik in June 2019.