Insulation industry news from Global Insulation

Germany: Karl Bachl Kunststoffverarbeitung, a long-time distributor of Styrodur extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation, has entered into an agreement to acquire the producer from chemicals company BASF. Plastverarbeiter News has reported that Styrodur’s 50 employees will stay on at BASF. The deal is scheduled for completion by 30 June 2025.

World: AZOBuild has reported findings that the global aerogel insulation market will grow at an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21% up to 2030. This would more than quadruple its total value, to US$3.8bn.

Israel: Chemicals company ICL has launched VeriQuel R100, a reactive phosphorous flame retardant for rigid polyurethane (PU) insulation. VeriQuel R100 chemically bonds with the polymer matrix in PU insulation. ICL invested US$2m in the development of VeriQuel R100. Four US-based roofing producers also launched products featuring VeriQuel R100, with six more reportedly ‘in development’ in the US and Europe.

US: Rockwool has approved a US$100m investment in the construction of a new line at its Marshall, Mississippi, insulation plant. When commissioned in 2027, the line will produce wallboard with WR-Tech enhanced water repellence and CR-Tech corrosion resistance. Dow Jones Institutional News has reported that the line is intended to meet increased demand for industrial insulation in the Gulf of Mexico region.

Rockwool CEO Jes Munk Hansen said "North America – and the US specifically – is an important strategic growth area for us. We have four insulation factories on the continent, with a fifth on the way in Washington state."

UK: France-based Saint-Gobain has completed its acquisition of façade mortars and external wall insulation (EWI) systems producer Kilwaughter Minerals. Kilwaughter Minerals operates a plant and limestone quarry in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, and three distribution centres in Great Britain and Ireland, with a total of 200 employees. Its brands include K Rend renders and K Systems EWI systems.