Insulation industry news from Global Insulation

Ireland: The government has announced that households eligible for funding under the existing Enhanced Defective Concrete Block (DCB) scheme can now also access funding for home insulation and energy improvements. The Irish Examiner newspaper has reported that grants of up to €37,550 are available for the purchase of materials including insulation.

Environment Minister Eamon Ryan said "The government wants to ensure that every household has the opportunity to take advantage of the green transition and benefit from homes that are warmer, healthier and more comfortable with lower energy bills and emissions.”

Poland: Xella has supplied its Multipor mineral wool insulation in the revitalisation of a building complex at the historic Franciszek mine shaft in Ruda Śląska, Silesian Voidodeship. Xella says that the initiative aims to transform the complex into a vibrant cultural and community space.

Ruda Śląska urban monuments conservator Łukasz Urbańczyk said "We are carrying out a full range of works there, including wall straightening, roof refurbishment and internal insulation. Multipor products were chosen to keep the brick façades intact. Once the brick façades have been cleaned, the shaft buildings will be fully restored to their former glory."

Kazakhstan: Denmark-based COBOD supplied its BOD2 3D printer for use in BM Partners’ construction of a house in Almaty. BM Partners designed the house, which has enhanced weather and earthquake resistance. It is fitted with expanded polystyrene concrete (EPC) insulating blocks.

Sweden: Svenska Aerogel says that it has received an order for 360kg of its Quartzene silica aerogel from a Europe-based insulation producer. Quartzene is the brand name for various synthetic silica powder materials produced by Svenska Aerogel.

Sweden: BEWI has expanded its expanded polystyrene (EPS) recycling capacities through the inauguration of its new Norrköping circularity hub in Östergötland. The hub occupies the site of BEWI’s former Norrköping insulation plant. The company says that it is equipped with an extruder to produce raw materials for the production of EPS for use in its product offering. Meanwhile, the site’s strategic location maximises the efficiency with which recyclable materials are obtained, for example local construction debris and fish boxes.