A Scottish company has launched a new insulation product that uses waste textiles to help buildings retain heat.
Glasgow-based
Kraft Architecture has unveiled its innovative '
Thermobond’ product, made from
waste wool, with the aim of tapping into the UK’s growing
insulation market.
The product, which has been developed with the support of Scottish Enterprise, blends wool
waste fibres sourced primarily from Scottish woollen mills to create cavity wall insulation for new
buildings and for retrofitting existing lofts.
"After nine months of research, product
development and intensive testing to demonstrate that the product can meet fire, moisture and thermal performance requirements we’ve trialed a prototype product produced using clean waste wool sourced from Scotland," said Bruce Newlands, director of Kraft Architecture.
Green features
Designed for use in loft, rafter, internal wall and inter-floor application and competitively priced, Thermobond is made from 100 per cent recycled textiles including more than 60 per cent recycled wool.
Its produced in a way that requires 90 per cent less energy compared to typical mineral wool insulation, according to Kraft, and is able to absorb, retain and release moisture without affecting its thermal properties or performance. Its also soft to touch and non irritant, unlike mineral wool, the company said.
Because the wool content of the product is greater than 60 per cent the is also fire-proof and has been tested in accordance with British Standard BS5803-4:1985.
"The recycled natural fibres and low energy method of production means that we have developed a product which has excellent thermal qualities that not only keep your house cosy but also allow walls to breathe naturally. This ensures that moisture passes safely to the outside of the building, very much like a wooly jumper," commented Newlands.
Scottish market
The company is initially targeting the Scottish market, which it has identified as having the potential for high growth in the insulation market.
Scotland experienced one of its worst winters this year, has tough emissions reduction targets and is looking to create a zero waste economy.
"We are currently working with a few partners to try and establish a production facility in Scotland while investigating other waste fibre streams for new products," said Newlands.
According to Scottish Enterprise, Scotland is home to many technical textile companies which are at the forefront of
innovation.
"The use of locally sourced fibres as insulation is an innovative idea and one which could have a significant impact on Scotland’s carbon emission reduction targets," said Cathy Black, head of Textiles at Scottish Enterprise.
"The transformation of waste textiles into an insulation product could potentially bring real benefits to the economy, the community and the environment while opening up exciting new opportunities for Scotland’s textiles industry.
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