Ukraine: Horticulture company Green Wave Organic has developed a new peat-based substrate to replace mineral wool in vertical horticulture at its facilities in Zolochiv, Lviv Oblast. New Voices of Ukraine News has reported that Green Wave Organic recently received a €15,000 EU4Business grant from the EU.
Compliance officer Ivan Fryz emphasised the need to continue to innovate under challenging circumstances, with electricity prices double their April 2024 levels.
Russia: TechnoNICOL plans to build a machine-building workshop in Ryazan to supply equipment for mineral wool production, according to Russian government sources.
The company said that is currently replacing some ‘European-made’ equipment with prototypes produced in China and Türkiye. It invested US$392m in its ‘fixed assets’ in 2024.
Romania: Alpin Szig és Szerkezet Építőipari subsidiary Mineral Insulation plans to build a €20m, 30,000t/yr-capacity mineral wool plant in Miercurea-Ciuc, Harghita County. Romania-Insider News has reported that construction will commence in mid-2025, with the plant scheduled to enter production in late 2026. The upcoming plant will occupy a former mining site, chosen for its proximity to sources of all required raw materials within 100km, as well as for its centrality in Romania. It is expected to create 70 new jobs.
Director Orban Zoltan said that the plant should enable Harghita County to become mineral wool self-sufficient.
Spain: Bank BBVA has signed an agreement with property management company General Council of Associations of Property Administrators to provide loans for 100% of the cost of energy efficiency renovations in its residential buildings. The agreement also covers loans for accessibility upgrades. Diario de Ávila News has reported that financial products available under the agreement include the Homeowners’ Associations Loan, which covers the costs of construction and materials, including insulation.
