World: Market research institute Ceresana has published the sixth edition of its World Insulation Materials Report 2026, forecasting global insulation market growth to 660Mm³ by 2035. The report forecast that demand for polyurethane (PUR) and polyisocyanurate (PIR) insulation will rise fastest, at a combined composite annual growth rate of 5.3%.

In 2025, mineral wool accounted for 50% of insulation consumption globally, followed by ‘sizeable’ minor shares of expanded polystyrene (EPS) and extruded polystyrene (XPS).

Germany: Switzerland-based cement producer Holcim has completed its €1.85bn acquisition of Xella, expanding its building solutions portfolio. Xella is present in 22 European markets and expects to generate net sales of €1bn in 2026. The transaction should result in synergies of €60m realised in its third year, according to Holcim.

Via the deal, Holcim now obtains brands for both the new-build and the energy-efficient repair and refurbishment market, including Multipor mineral insulation.

Canada: The Canadian government and the provincial government of Prince Edward Island have restarted a programme offering grants to eligible Prince Edward Island residents for home insulation retrofits. CBC News has reported that the programme will fund installations to be carried out by CAN/ULC-S705.2-certified contractors. Homes must be a primary residence and grant tiers are subject to household income.

Canada: Roofing, waterproofing and insulation systems producer IKO has broken ground on its upcoming US$31.9m extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation plant in Brantford, Ontario. The plant will employ 40 people.

IKO’s North America XPS general manager and product innovation manager Yekutiel Koschitzky said that Brantford offers ‘strong manufacturing workforce, strategic access to key transport routes and proximity to important customer markets."