Insulation industry news from Global Insulation

Switzerland: ETH Zurich spin-off Aeroskin Tech has developed an aerogel-based insulation that delivers comparable U-values to conventional insulations at a thickness of just 10cm. Parametric Architecture News has reported that the aerogel insulation will be available both as a spray plaster and as boards.

UK: Superglass has secured Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) verification for its Superwall Cavity Batts range of insulation. Specification Online News has reported that the range is among the first in the insulation segment to receive this. The producer will seek verification for further products later in February 2025.

CCPI verification ensures the veracity and comprehensiveness of product information claims. It launched following the deathly Grenfell Tower disaster on 14 June 2017, where labelling was found to ‘deliberately misrepresent’ insulation’s fire safety performance.

Indonesia: A new tariff on imports of mineral wool will enter effect in Indonesia later in February 2025. China Trade Remedy Information News has reported that that the government will set the duty at US$1.24/kg of product for its first year in force. It will subsequently decline to US$1.12/kg in 2026 and US$1/kg in 2027.

The Indonesian Committee on Safeguards first initiated a safeguard investigation into mineral wool dumping in July 2023 and announced its positive ruling on the matter on 16 September 2024.

Spain: Saint-Gobain has launched a €40m expansion and upgrade to reduce CO₂ emissions by 70% at its Azuqueca insulation plant in Castilla-La Mancha. The producer will replace the plant’s existing furnace with a new electric one. When operational in early 2026, the upgraded line will expand the Azuqueca plant’s capacity by 40%. The furnace will run on renewable electricity sourced under a power purchase agreement signed with utilities provider Endesa in 2022.

Singapore: A team at Nanyang Technological University has developed new insulating tiles made of a wood-decaying fungus. Asia Research News has reported that the tiles have a hexagonal design and are textured to mimic elephant skin in order to maximise cooling. The wood component is bamboo microfibres, making the tiles entirely biodegradable. Singapore’s National Research Foundation and ETH Zurich funded the research.