Virtually every tradesperson knows it: fiberglass – the all-rounder for insulating roofs, ceilings, and walls. However, not everyone knows what's inside it, why it's particularly sustainable, and exactly how it's made. A good reason to take a closer look at the production of fiberglass insulation in our professional blog.
From a shard of glass to an insulation roll
Whether it's friction-fit insulation, partition wall panels, or loose blown-in insulation, glass wool insulation materials are ubiquitous in everyday life, appearing in a variety of forms and formats for diverse insulation applications. It's widely known that glass wool insulation is particularly good at retaining heat, improving sound insulation, and contributing to effective fire protection because it is non-combustible. The reason for this lies in its composition and manufacturing process, which transforms shards into fibers, which are then transformed into mats or boards.
What is glass wool made of?
Recycled glass and sand: these are the main components of modern glass wool insulation. Up to 80% of the insulation consists of recycled glass – more precisely, processed cullet, for example, from old windows or glass containers. This recycled glass is mixed and melted with other readily available raw materials, such as quartz sand and soda in strictly confidential formulations.
heat and air
In large melting vats, the components of the glass wool are liquefied using intense heat. The volume of the molten material is then increased many times over. Similar to the production of cotton candy, fibers are created. Air can then be trapped within the now soft, fluffy insulation material, which enables its high insulation performance. Since the raw materials are non-combustible, the finished insulation materials also achieve Euroclass A1.
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That certain something: What makes ECOSE® so special?
To transform the loose, cotton-like fiber composite into robust insulation boards and flexible insulation rolls, a hardening binder is added during the production process. In the insulation industry, this is typically a phenol-formaldehyde resin, which also gives conventional glass wool insulation its yellow color. However, Knauf Insulation has been using ECOSE® Technology for 15 years – a binder for mineral wool based on natural raw materials. Since then, the addition of formaldehyde and phenol has been unnecessary in the production process of Knauf Insulation glass wool. Furthermore, thanks to ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation glass wool is brown, not yellow. Customers also report that the insulation products with ECOSE® Technology are more comfortable to handle because they are less itchy.
Positive CO2 balance after 95 days
When considering the environmental impact of glass wool production, it's noticeable that the necessary melting process is energy-intensive. Therefore, production, packaging, and transport also generate CO2. However, the crucial point is that the finished insulation products quickly offset the energy and CO2 emitted during their production once in use. A study conducted in collaboration with the Ramboll Group, a company specializing in sustainable building, even revealed that it takes only 95 days from installation for Knauf Insulation mineral wool insulation to recoup its post-installation CO2 emissions and achieve a positive CO2 balance.
Sustainability for all
Natural and recycled raw materials, a natural binder, and high energy and CO2 savings in use: Knauf Insulation glass wool insulation materials can be used with a clear conscience in sustainable construction and renovation projects – especially when you know what's inside.
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