World: AZOBuild has reported findings that the global aerogel insulation market will grow at an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21% up to 2030. This would more than quadruple its total value, to US$3.8bn.

US: Rockwool has approved a US$100m investment in the construction of a new line at its Marshall, Mississippi, insulation plant. When commissioned in 2027, the line will produce wallboard with WR-Tech enhanced water repellence and CR-Tech corrosion resistance. Dow Jones Institutional News has reported that the line is intended to meet increased demand for industrial insulation in the Gulf of Mexico region.

Rockwool CEO Jes Munk Hansen said "North America – and the US specifically – is an important strategic growth area for us. We have four insulation factories on the continent, with a fifth on the way in Washington state."

Israel: Chemicals company ICL has launched VeriQuel R100, a reactive phosphorous flame retardant for rigid polyurethane (PU) insulation. VeriQuel R100 chemically bonds with the polymer matrix in PU insulation. ICL invested US$2m in the development of VeriQuel R100. Four US-based roofing producers also launched products featuring VeriQuel R100, with six more reportedly ‘in development’ in the US and Europe.

UK: France-based Saint-Gobain has completed its acquisition of façade mortars and external wall insulation (EWI) systems producer Kilwaughter Minerals. Kilwaughter Minerals operates a plant and limestone quarry in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, and three distribution centres in Great Britain and Ireland, with a total of 200 employees. Its brands include K Rend renders and K Systems EWI systems.