Sustainable materials have the potential to completely transform the construction industry in myriad ways, ultimately benefiting the homeowner. One example comes from UPM Biochemicals and URSA, which are working together to develop environmentally friendly building insulation. The result will be reduced energy consumption and lowered emissions.
Why Go Green?
Before we get into the details about this particular insulation, let’s explore the benefits of healthier insulation, which we have written about on this blog before. In addition to being better for the environment, eco-friendly insulation can cut costs in the long run because it is better at keeping heat or cool air in the house, which ultimately reduces the electric bill for the homeowner. Environmentally friendly insulation is also said to contain less harmful chemicals, which should ideally be better for all those occupying the space.
There is also growing demand for eco-friendly insulation. Future Market Insights suggests the global air barrier market is predicted to reach a value of more than $23 billion in 2029, with sales surging at an average rate of 4.6% from 2022 to 2029.
There are many driving factors including strict building codes, energy regulations, and rising demand from both the residential and the industrial sectors. At the same time, many manufacturers are changing their focus to use and upgrade the production of insulating materials—so it’s no surprise that many building owners and homeowners can expect new and exciting products to explode in a host of market segments.
Transformative Materials
In this case, URSA is producing sustainable glass wool, which is created from a binder based on UPM BioPiva lignin, which is a natural insulation material. This is transformative because typically synthetic resins from fossil-based raw materials have traditionally been used as binders in the production of glass wool and mineral wool, respectively. In this case, the binder is lignin-resin. Lignin is a natural polymer found in wood and other plants.
UPM BioPiva lignin is a sustainably produced and versatile raw material. UPM Biochemicals is committed to sustainable innovation in multiple different industries and the organization is actively working with partners such as URSA to develop new, sustainable applications and products based on wood-based biochemicals. Its use cases are truly limitless and environmentally friendly.
Looking to the future, we will likely continue to see the market for natural and eco-friendly insulation continue to grow, as sustainability embeds itself into our homes and buildings. The hope here is that as new products are envisioned, we will be moving toward healthier living in our homes, buildings, communities, and a more sustainable planet for all.
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