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Use of recycled materials among insulation producers up in NA

29 Dec '12

2 min read

The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) announced the results of a recent survey of its members' use of pre and post-consumer recycled materials in their insulation products during the years 2008 to 2011. The survey includes data from both U.S. and Canadian manufacturing facilities.

According to the survey, U.S. and Canadian manufacturers used over 8.5 billion pounds of recycled materials in the production of residential, commercial, industrial, and air handling thermal and acoustical insulation.

From 2008 to 2011, U.S. manufacturers used more than 5.4 billion pounds of recycled glass, while manufacturers in Canada together utilized more than 1.2 billion pounds of recycled glass.

The survey showed that U.S. manufacturers and manufacturers in Canada used a combined total of 1.9 billion pounds of reclaimed slag in the production of thermal and acoustical insulation.

Since the Industry's recycling program began in 1992, NAIMA members' plants have diverted over 41.5 billion pounds of recycled materials from the waste stream.

“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 Kate Offringa, 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.

North American Insulation Manufacturers Association