11/06/2008

NEWS RELEASE

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New technology makes inherently green insulation products even more sustainable; confirms Knauf’s position as innovative industry leader

(SHELBYVILLE, Ind., November 6, 2008)—Knauf Insulation is pleased to announce the introduction of ECOSE™ Technology, a revolutionary new, natural binder technology, made from rapidly renewable organic materials instead of petroleum-based chemicals.  ECOSE Technology delivers superior environmental sustainability, reduces embodied energy, and contains no phenol, formaldehyde, acrylics or artificial colors.  This new, innovative technology solidifies Knauf’s already strong innovation and environmental stewardship leadership position in the insulation industry.  Products made with ECOSE Technology are now available in select markets in the Pacific Northwest.  All Knauf products will be made with ECOSE Technology and available in all North American markets by the end of 2009.

ECOSE Technology works by converting natural organic materials into an inert polymer through a proprietary process to create an exceptionally strong binder that bonds glasswool insulation fibers together.  According to Knauf Insulation North America president, Bob Claxton, Knauf’s announcement of its next generation sustainable insulation technology is in keeping with its long-held culture of environmental stewardship and continuous improvement, “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.  “Now, with the introduction of ECOSE Technology, we are able to offer an even more sustainable product.”

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, products made with ECOSE Technology take sustainability to a whole new level. 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.” 

“ECOSE Technology is changing the face of the insulation industry,” Claxton adds. Born from a half-decade of extensive Knauf research and development in the US and Europe, ECOSE Technology is revolutionary, not only for its superior sustainability; but because it does not compromise any of the market-leading characteristics of Knauf’s current products. This combination of superior sustainability and performance in a single product is a step-change for the industry.

Claxton emphasizes, “The demand for greater sustainability in building construction is clear, and will be the driving force for new construction in the foreseeable future. This demands a more sustainable strategy—and Knauf is proud to lead the way with ECOSE Technology. It’s allowing Knauf to offer 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 http://www.knaufinsulation.us/, write to Knauf Insulation GmbH, One Knauf Drive, Shelbyville, IN  46176 or call 800-825-4434 ext. 8212.