Insulation industry news from Global Insulation

US: According to Recycling Today, American Fiber Green Products Inc (AFBG), based in Tampa, Florida and Owens Corning, a Toledo, Ohio-based developer and manufacturer of insulation, roofing and fibreglass composites, have entered into a five-year agreement for recycling services. The deal calls for AFBG to recycle the fibreglass-related material generated at Owens Corning's Amarillo, Texas plant, which is currently being landfilled.

"The recycling plan in Amarillo represents continued progress toward Owens Corning's 2020 environmental footprint goals," said Doug Pontsler, Owens Corning's vice president of environment, health and safety and operations sustainability. "Concurrent with our progress to reduce waste generation, we've made securing more reliable recycling for fibreglass waste a top priority. The solution from American Fiber Green Products, which will convert our waste into useful, marketable products, will help us achieve our sustainability goals."

"AFBG is excited to provide recycling services to this market leader through our Amour Fiber Core subsidiary," said AFBG Chairman Kenneth McCleave. "This contract has been in negotiation for over a year and a half and will substantially boost revenue for AFBG. The project will commence upon completion of construction of our recycling and manufacturing facility in the Amarillo area. Construction is expected to take about 12 months. We expect a successful recycling program in Amarillo to be the catalyst to an expanded relationship between our firms and potentially include other Owens Corning facilities around the country."

UK: Two Sika-Trocal projects were nominated in the single ply category of the NFRC UK Roofing Awards 2015.

At Lancaster and Morecambe College, a Fully Adhered Type SGK membrane was applied by MAC Roofing to re-cover an existing roof as part of a Euro20.6m redevelopment. For the second phase of the project, the renovation of a complex 3000m2 domed roof situated on required a high performance and flexible membrane. Due to the age of the building, the failing felt roof had failed to meet BREEAM requirements and expected U-values.

On a smaller scale, a new-build four bedroom house in Hammersmith, London incorporates a unique roofing solution. Designed to accommodate restrictions on the use of exterior windows in the perimeter wall, the roof included seven pyramids of varying sizes with a vaulted roof light in each section. With such a complex pyramid design, a neat finish around the edges was crucial. The mechanically fixed Sika-Trocal S system proved to be the optimum roofing solution for contractor Ithaca Roofing.

US: Carlisle SynTec Systems, a major manufacturer and supplier of premium roofing products, has formed a strategic partnership with Columbia Green Technologies, a leading supplier of roof garden components. The partnership provides customers with single-source solutions for the entire roof garden system.

"Carlisle is committed to providing comprehensive building envelope solutions that meet the unique challenges associated with sustainable design," said Michael DuCharme, Carlisle's director of product marketing. "Together, Carlisle and Columbia Green will provide expert design assistance, high-performance materials and industry-leading warranties," said DuCharme.

"We are excited to partner with Carlisle. Columbia Green offers innovative green roof systems engineered for stormwater management and optimal plant health. Our partnership allows Carlisle to offer a single-source warranty that inspires confidence in the implementation of our systems," said Vanessa Keitges, president and CEO of Columbia Green Technologies.

Roof gardens, also known as green roofs or vegetative roofs, provide numerous environmental benefits, including enhanced stormwater management, improved air and water quality, reduction of the urban heat island effect and decreased energy consumption.

US: Installed Building Products has acquired Layman Brothers Contracting based in Powhatan, Virginia and Bluegrass Insulation of Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Saudi Arabia: Saudi International Petrochemical Company (Sipchem) has commenced commercial operation of a cable insulation polymers plant owned by Gulf Advanced Cables Insulation Company, a Sipchem affiliate, at its complex in Jubail Industrial City.

The plant produces several types of cable insulation polymers that are used to fabricate electrical cable insulation materials. Gulf Advanced Cables Insulation Company will market the products. Such specialised products are considered part of the company's strategy to execute comprehensive transformation projects in addition to its existing products. The raw materials, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), will be provided by International Polymers Company (IPC), a Sipchem affiliate. The plant will meet local and global demand.