NAIMA Touts Recycling Growth

The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association announced the results of a recent survey of its members’ use of pre- and post-consumer recycled materials in their insulation products during 2006/2007. The survey includes data from both U.S. and Canadian manufacturing facilities.

According to the survey, U.S. manufacturers used close to 4.2 billion pounds of recycled materials to make insulation, close to a 62 percent increase from 2006. Broken down by recyclable material, the NAIMA noted that the use of recycled glass increased by 107 percent, while the use of reclaimed slag increased by 55.5 percent. Since the industry’s recycling program began in 1992, NAIMA members’ plants have diverted almost 33 billion pounds of recycled materials from the waste stream.

The survey showed NAIMA Canada members together used 593 million pounds of recycled glass and more than 176 million pounds of slag in the production of thermal and acoustical insulation. This represents an increase of 66 percent and 129 percent respectively over 2005.

"NAIMA members are committed to preserving the environment by using recycled materials to produce energy-saving insulation products that improve a building’s energy efficiency and minimize environmental impact," said Ken Mentzer, president and CEO of NAIMA. "Fiber glass, rock wool and slag wool insulation are some of the best choices available for residential and commercial green building."

While recycled content is just one indicator of a product’s environmental impact, the recent survey results illustrate the significant impact that industry can affect through the conscientious use of materials.