Insulation industry news from Global Insulation

Japan: Nichias Corporation has resolved to dissolve its stone wool subsidiary Kimitsu Rockwool Corporation and filed for its liquidation. In a filing to the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the group said that Kimitsu Rockwool Corporation ceased production in March 2024, amid ‘soaring’ energy and raw materials costs. It has completed disposal of its production equipment.

Romania: Belgium-based Metigla plans to invest €15m in an automation upgrade and expansion to its Ceptura, Prahova, plant, which produces insulated metal roofing systems. Romania-Insider News has reported that the plant produces its own mineral wool insulation panels, along with other components for its roofing systems.

CEO Olivier Somers said the company prioritises long-term growth through local production and innovation. Metigla recorded sales of €27.5m in 2024, approximately €4.13m (15%) of which was through exports. Somers added "Romania remains our centre of gravity, and the Ceptura factory is a clear expression of how local excellence can have an international impact.”

Hungary: Masterplast has unveiled a new strategy for increasing internal flexibility and reducing exposure to an ‘extremely unpredictable’ global economic environment. MTI – EcoNews has reported that the producer will no longer publish numerical financial forecasts. It will additionally focus on inventory and cash-flow management and monitoring market feedback. Preparation is underway for ‘multiple scenarios,’ including slow, moderate and rapid global economic growth.

Masterplast expects to commence operations at its upcoming Szerencs glass wool plant in Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén county in mid-2025.

UK/Ireland: UK-based Energystore has launched Spacebead, an expanded polystyrene (EPS) bead injected insulation containing aerogel and adhesive, on the UK and Irish markets. The Spacebead offers thermal conductivity of 0.029W/mK and is especially suited to use in limited cavity space. The producers say that this will help customers in the English market to easily conform to the upcoming Future Homes Standard for energy efficiency of new buildings there.

Russia: The mineral wool market consumed ‘record’ volumes of imports in the first quarter of 2025, market research by ROIF Expert has revealed. Uzbek mineral wool has replaced that from Poland and Lithuania as dominant among imports. The Russia-based agency has reported that domestically-produced mineral wool rose in price amid on-going ‘adjustments’ in production volumes.