Survey Finds Insulators Using More Recycled Materials

A recent survey of members by the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association highlights its members' commitment to using pre and post consumer recycled materials in their insulation products.

According to the survey, NAIMA members used more than 1.6 billion pounds of recycled post consumer glass and blast furnace slag in the manufacturing process of thermal and acoustical insulation. In the last decade, NAIMA members have used close to 21 billion pounds of recycled materials.

"I am pleased to announce that our members continue to do their part in protecting natural resources by utilizing recyclable materials," said Ken Mentzer, president and CEO of NAIMA. "NAIMA members have proven their commitment to the environment at all levels of production. From the use of recycled content to the manufacturing of products that conserve energy when installed, NAIMA members are doing their part in improving energy efficiency and conservation."

Fiber glass insulation is manufactured using a combination of recycled glass, up to 40 percent, depending on the manufacturer and the specific plant, as well as the base material of glass, which is sand. Sand, due to the fact that it is constantly being produced through wind and erosion, is a rapidly renewable resource that is widely available.

Slag wool insulation is manufactured from blast furnace slag, which is a byproduct of steel manufacturing. This secondary material would be sent to the landfill if not for its reclamation by manufacturers of products like slag wool insulation.

While manufacturing of fiber glass and slag wool insulation is an energy intensive process, a typical pound of fiber glass, rock wool or slag wool insulation will save more than 12 times the amount of energy used to produce in its first year of use alone. Considering that these products continue to save that amount of energy for the life of the building, the benefit to the environment clearly outweighs the initial energy expenditure. To find out more about the environmental benefits of fiber glass and rock and slag wool insulation, visit www.naima.org.