Germany/Ukraine: The Würzburg Prosecutor's Office has opened a preliminary investigation into Knauf over its alleged involvement in the on-going reconstruction of Russian-occupied Mariupol. The investigation will seek to establish whether an ‘initial suspicion’ of criminal activity exists. Germany-based media outlet ARD published its allegation of Knauf’s involvement in the reconstruction via the use of its materials earlier in April 2024.

The producer denied the allegations, adding that it complies with relevant laws and sanctions.

Denmark: The Competition Council has approved Kingspan's acquisition of TreeTops Holding, in exchange for Kingpan’s undertaking to divest TreeTops Holding's business in wood concrete slabs for ceilings. Baltic Legal Updates has reported that TreeTops Holding is one of Kingspan subsidiary Troldtekt’s ‘main competitors’ in the sector.

Local investment company DEPO Holding has secured approval to purchase the divested operations from Kingspan.

Ireland: Kingspan's sales were ‘close to €2bn’ in the first quarter of 2024, following a 1% year-on-year decline. The producer noted ‘positive’ volumes and ‘stable’ pricing, continuing trends from 2023. Raw material costs dropped, however Kingspan anticipates a new rise in its operating costs in the medium-term future.

Dow Jones Institutional Newswires has reported that Kingspan expects to record a first-half 2024 profit ‘roughly in line’ with the first-half 2023 figure of €436m.

Belgium: Etex says that it ‘considerably’ progressed its Road to Sustainability 2030 plan during 2023. That year, safety intensity increased by 7%, and Etex established a global diversity, equity and inclusion ambassador community of 110 volunteers across 26 countries. In Europe, the company achieved 70% Environmental Product Declaration coverage as a percentage of its turnover, up from 58% in 2022. Etex raised its total use of recycled materials to 7.6%, and achieved a 23% reduction in Scopes 1 and 2 CO₂ compared to 2018 levels, in line with its 2030 target of 35%.

CEO Bernard Delvaux said “In the EU, more than 40% of energy consumed is used in buildings and more than 30% of energy-related greenhouse gasses emissions come from buildings. Next to new building activities, and according to current high energy standards, renovating old building stock should hence be a top priority. With our portfolio of building materials such as glass wool and extruded polystyrene insulation, gypsum wallboard, fibre cement boards and fire protection materials, Etex has the solutions to reach the ambitious targets. But in view of the huge challenge, a holistic and effective plan to boost renovation is needed, to finance and simplify the renovation process, in each of the EU countries.”