Sustainability

Sustainability in our business

The Eco Insulation products and systems are designed to reduce energy use, and to improve the performance of New Zealand buildings.

Our commitment is to offer sustainable high performance insulation systems for enhanced energy efficiency in buildings, we continually seek improvements in both our business operations and product sourcing.

Buildings use a lot of energy!

One of the largest contribution to saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions will come from driving energy efficiency in buildings. One of the easiest and most important ways we can save energy is through insulating our buildings.

ECOSE® Technology

ecoinsulation® glasswool products made using ECOSE® Technology benefit from a binder which has no added formaldehyde and is based on renewable bio-based materials instead of traditional petrol-based chemicals. The technology has been developed for Knauf Insulation’s glasswool and rock mineral wool products, enhancing their environmental credentials whilst maintaining the thermal, acoustic and fire performance and mechanical properties.

ECOSE® Technology gives a distinctive look to our ecoinsulation® glasswool products - a natural shade of earthy brown, with no added dyes, bleaches or artificial colours. ecoinsulation® glasswool is also less dusty and has a much softer and friendlier feel whilst retaining its rigidity and stiffness properties. The ECOSE® Technology binder is less energy intensive than the formaldehyde binders used in traditional glasswool insulation. As there is no formaldehyde or phenols used in the manufacturing process for ecoinsulation® glasswool, it also improves the indoor air quality of buildings where these products are installed (compared to conventional glasswool products).

Environmental Statement

ecoinsulation^® glasswool insulation is a high performance product with environmental and sustainability credentials.

ecoinsulation^® glasswool insulation is manufactured using the latest state-of-the-art technology, industry leading innovation and certified manufacturing processes to deliver one of the most sustainable and environmentally friendly glasswool product available in New Zealand.

Facts

Environmental Product Declarations (EPD)

With the support of our manufacturer, Knauf Insulation, ecoinsulation^® glasswool insulation supports environmental claims with market leading Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). The EPDs supporting ecoinsulation^® glasswool insulation are one of the most comprehensive evaluations of any insulation product in New Zealand.

The five separate, independently certified EPDs provide clarity and transparency about the life-cycle and environmental impact, a declaration unmatched by our competitors. EPD's are available upon request.

Eurofins Gold Certification

The impact of poor air quality in our homes, schools and workspaces has become a major concern worldwide, known as Sick Building Syndrome. ecoinsulation^® glasswool insulation is supported by Eurofins Indoor Air Comfort Gold as an “outstanding material” according to VOC and Indoor Air Quality Emissions certification.

The ECOSE^® Technology that is used to manufacture our product replaces the phenol formaldehyde that is used by other Australian and New Zealand manufacturers. Phenol formaldehyde is a known carcinogen and even low levels are considered unacceptable by leading air quality certification organisations.

This places ecoinsulation^® glasswool insulation in a unique positon and makes it impossible for our competitors to currently match this level of certification.

EUCEB Certification

ecoinsulation^® glasswool insulation is manufactured using EUCEB certified glasswool. Products bearing the EUCEB trademark are continually monitored and independently classified as being bio-soluble. Specifiers, installers, building owners and the public can have complete confidence in glasswool products that carry the EUCEB trademark.

CodeMark™ Certification

ecoinsulation^® glasswool insulation also maintains CodeMark™ certification. This is the highest level of Building Code compliance in New Zealand. The New Zealand Building Code requires insulation to have 50 years durability.

The CodeMark™ certification is an independent certification that supports the performance and durability of the products for at least 50 years.

GreenTag Certification

ecoinsulation^® glasswool insulation is supported by GreenTag Level A certification. GreenTag is one of the leading independent eco certification organisations. Not only does it demonstrate ecoinsulation^® glasswool insulation’s environmental credentials, it also helps achieve NZGBC Green Star building certification.

Zero Waste to Landfill

The plants that manufacture ecoinsulation^® glasswool wall and ceiling insulation send zero waste to landfill. This achievement marks a significant milestone in Knauf Insulation's sustainability journey, in which they are constantly developing their products and processes to contribute towards greener and more energy efficient environments.

Recycled Raw Material

ecoinsulation^® glasswool insulation is manufactured using up to 80% recycled glass that is made up of post-consumer glass bottles rather than plate glass from the window industry. This process removes glass bottles from landfill, turning them into high performance, energy saving ecoinsulation^® glasswool insulation products.