'Circularity is must have for construction'

In achieving the globally set climate goals, the built environment plays a key role. Buildings and the construction industry are now responsible for 36 percent of total energy consumption and 39 percent of related CO2 emissions. As a producer of high-quality insulation products, Kingspan Insulation is already taking responsibility in reducing those figures. Circularity and sustainable production are given priority.

Circularity is one of the pillars of Planet Passionate, Kingspan's ambitious global sustainability program. Besides circularity, climate change and protection of the natural world are central to it. "The EU aims to be climate neutral by 2050, but we are currently on track to miss this target by a considerable margin. We want to do everything we can with our products and the way we produce to achieve those ambitions," says Dennis Bol, Head of Product Management & Innovation at Kingspan Insulation Continental Europe.

Healthy living environment

Annually, Kingspan produces about three times the volume of the Pyramid of Giza in insulation materials. Those products already contribute to reducing energy consumption, but that is not enough for the manufacturer. 

"In the way we produce our PIR and Kooltherm® ranges, we not only want to be sustainable; we also want to contribute to a healthy living environment." In this, circularity is a "must have" for construction, Bol said. 

LIFEcycle

To achieve its stated circular ambitions, Kingspan has developed its own LIFEcycle model. "That model covers the entire life cycle of a product. From design and raw material use to the factory processes without residual waste or pollution. And we also incorporated the possibility of reusing a product into that model. With the ultimate goal that we can make more high-quality products with fewer new raw materials. Products that also have a useful purpose at the end of their life."

Waste becomes raw material

Meanwhile, Kingspan Insulation's production waste is already fully recycled. For example, it is used as raw material for insulated floors with good thermal and acoustic properties. Or as a raw material for moisture-resistant insulating board material. Bol: "Waste that is not recyclable can be incinerated with energy recovery. In a cement kiln, the ash residue is then also used as a raw material for clinker. And this is not the end station. We are working hard to make even better use of the residual materials, using the 10R model as a guideline for the most circular reuse possible. It's great to see that what was waste two years ago is now being used as a raw material."

Working together on circularity

You don't create a circular economy alone as a producer, Kingspan Insulation is aware of that. Bol: "We want and need to do it together as construction and industry. That is why we also like to involve the market in our plans and ideas."    

For more information on Kingspan Insulation's circular ambitions and Planet Passionate program, watch this video