Survey Shows Manufacturers Used Over 2 Billion Pounds of Recycled Materials in the Production of Fiber Glass and Slag Wool Insulation

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North American Insulation Manufacturers Association

Sep 25, 2014, 08:35 ET

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Sept. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- 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 insulation and acoustical products in 2013. The survey includes data from both U.S. and Canadian manufacturing facilities.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140924/148258

Fiber glass and slag wool insulation reduce the demand on virgin resources. Fiber glass insulation is made from sand (a renewable resource) and from recycled glass (a secondary raw material). Slag wool insulation is made from recycled blast furnace slag-a by-product of other industries. (PRNewsFoto/NAIMA)

According to the survey, U.S. manufacturers used almost 1.7 billion pounds of recycled glass in the production of residential, commercial, and industrial thermal and acoustical insulation. Manufacturers estimate they will use more than 1.7 billion pounds in 2014.

NAIMA Canada members together used nearly 300 million pounds of recycled glass in the production of residential, commercial, industrial, and air handling thermal and acoustical insulation.

U.S. and Canadian facilities used more than 588 million pounds of recycled blast furnace slag in the production of thermal and acoustical insulation. Since the industry's recycling program began in 1992, NAIMA members' plants have diverted more than 46.3 billion pounds of recycled materials from the waste stream.

"NAIMA members are committed to promoting sustainability by using recycled materials to produce energy-saving insulation products that improve a building's energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact," said Curt Rich, President and CEO of NAIMA.

"Fiber glass, rock wool and slag wool insulation are some of the best choices available for insulating residential and commercial buildings as well as mechanical and industrial process systems."

While recycled content is just one indicator of a product's environmental impact, the survey results illustrate the significant impact that an industry can affect through the conscientious use of materials.

For more information about the environmental benefits of fiber glass, rock wool and slag wool, visit www.naima.org or www.insulationinstitute.org today.

About NAIMA

NAIMA is the association for North American manufacturers of fiber glass, rock wool, and slag wool insulation products. Its role is to promote energy efficiency and environmental preservation through the use of fiber glass, rock wool, and slag wool insulation, and to encourage the safe production and use of these materials.

Media Contact:

Stacy Fitzgerald-Redd
(703) 684-0084
Email
www.naima.org

SOURCE North American Insulation Manufacturers Association