11/06/2008

NEWS RELEASE

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New revolutionary insulation product offering marks the beginning of the next generation of sustainable glasswool insulation in residential and commercial insulation markets; confirms Knauf’s position as innovative industry leader

(SHELBYVILLE, Ind., November 6, 2008)—Knauf Insulation is pleased to announce the launch of EcoBatt™ Glasswool Insulation products using ECOSE™ Technology in select Pacific Northwest markets in the United States. EcoBatt Glasswool Insulation products improve the already exceptional environmental credentials of fiber glass insulation because they are produced with a revolutionary new binder called ECOSE Technology. ECOSE Technology delivers superior environmental sustainability, reduces embodied energy, and contains no phenol, formaldehyde, acrylics or artificial colors typically found in traditional fiber glass insulation.

EcoBatt Insulation was introduced in the San Francisco and Sacramento, California markets, the Seattle market, and the Portland, Oregon market beginning November 1, 2008.  Additional markets will follow beginning in January, 2009, as Knauf manufacturing facilities are converted to ECOSE Technology. EcoBatt products will be available nationwide before the end of 2009.

EcoBatt Insulation has a distinctive brown color that comes from using ECOSE Technology as the binding agent.  ECOSE Technology converts natural organic materials into an inert polymer through a proprietary process to create an exceptionally strong binder that bonds the glasswool insulation fibers together.  This new, innovative technology allows Knauf to manufacture EcoBatt Insulation products that offer greater sustainability while maintaining the same legendary performance and handling characteristics Knauf customers have grown to expect from all Knauf products.  According to Knauf Insulation director of product and process development Ron Houpt, the new products are truly ground-breaking because they offer a higher level of sustainability without compromising product performance.  “EcoBatt Insulation products are really superior products because of the unsurpassed level of sustainability they offer.  At the same time, they remain gutsy, easy to cut and are less dusty.”

Knauf’s launch of the next generation of sustainable insulation products is in keeping with its long-held culture of environmental stewardship and continuous improvement according to Knauf Insulation president, Bob Claxton. “This isn’t new for Knauf—sustainability is at the core of all we do.  Knauf’s mission is to provide products and services that conserve energy and provide natural resources for a sustainable future,” says Claxton. “EcoBatt Insulation products and ECOSE Technology push the technical boundaries, and represent a step-change for the insulation industry.  These products are the result of 5 years of research and development efforts designed to provide improved products that offer a much higher level of sustainability to the construction materials market.”

Knauf’s Insulation products have always been sustainable—made from renewable and recycled content, and saving hundreds of times more energy in use than required to manufacture them. But, EcoBatt Insulation now takes sustainability to a whole new level by creating a product that combines a minimum 30% post-consumer recycled glass, and one of the world’s most abundant renewable natural resources—sand, with the new ECOSE Technology. ECOSE Technology is up to 70% less energy intensive than traditional binders, and reduces the carbon footprint of products made with the revolutionary technology by eliminating the petroleum-based chemicals traditionally used to make insulation binders.

“With energy costs rising, and energy sources diminishing, conservation is critical for our earth’s future,” says Knauf Insulation director of public affairs and sustainability, Scott Miller. “Insulating buildings is the single most important factor in ensuring a sustainable future.  Insulation is a known technology that has an immediate economic impact and provides a substantial environmental payback.  With ECOSE Technology we extend our product benefits further because it is made using rapidly-renewable organic materials, instead of the conventional non-renewable petroleum-based chemicals used in traditional binders. That eliminates petroleum-based binder chemicals from our process, and helps preserve our world’s energy resources. ECOSE Technology creates a more advanced and sustainable product; and since no phenol or formaldehyde is used, it also eliminates manufacturing emissions of those chemicals.”

Claxton emphasizes that the demand for greater sustainability in building construction is clear, and will be the driving force for new construction in the foreseeable future.  He adds that our future demands a more sustainable strategy—and Knauf is proud to lead the way with Ecobatt Insulation and ECOSE Technology.  “EcoBatt Insulation products with ECOSE Technology are changing the face of the insulation industry, allowing Knauf to offer its customers the next generation of glasswool insulation today, for a more sustainable future.” 

Knauf Insulation is a leading global manufacturer of thermal and acoustical insulations for residential, commercial, industrial, OEM and metal building applications. For more information about Knauf sales and products, visit www.knaufinsulation.us, write to Knauf Insulation GmbH, One Knauf Drive, Shelbyville, IN  46176 or call 800-825-4434 ext. 8212.