Iraq: Researchers found that a sawdust-clay composite reduced power consumption for cooling by up to 37% when used as insulation in test rooms in Kirkuk. In a paper published in the Scientific Reports journal, the team recorded a thermal conductivity of the material of 0.44W/mK. It noted the suitability of the material as a circular insulation alternative for construction in arid regions.

Spain: Sika España has rebranded its Cototerm façade insulation system as SikaTherm. Nueva Ferretería News has reported that the newly rebranded product integrates the producer’s local experience with its global research and development.

Russia: TechnoNICOL says that it will invest US$219m in new mineral wool plants and plant upgrades in Russia throughout 2025, as part of a drive to raise its capacity to 5Mm³/yr by 2030. Interfax has reported that projects include the upcoming Krasnosulinsky stone wool insulation plant in Rostov, scheduled to open in late 2026. In Moscow, the company is investing US$46.2m to rebuild it Serpukhov glass wool plant, scheduled for completion in April 2026. At its Ryazan plant, meanwhile, TechnoNICOL is installing a 1.25Mm³/yr mineral wool recycling line and captive power plant, with a combined investment of US$29m.

US: The Polyisocyanurate Insulation Manufacturers Association (PIMA) has opposed the Washington State government’s identification of all organohalogen flame retardants (OFRs) as a priority chemical for additional regulations, including a possible ban. PIMA, along with other industry associations, argues that a blanket treatment of OFRs ignores variations in their chemical structure and risk profiles, thereby complicating efforts to identify safer alternatives while continuing to ensure insulation’s performance and fire safety.