NEWS RELEASE

Knauf Launches ECOSE^® Technology in Commercial & Industrial Sector

Total conversion of product lines demonstrates Knauf’s commitment to continuing innovation and sustainable technology

(SHELBYVILLE, Ind., Nov 9, 2009) Knauf Insulation is pleased to announce the conversion of their Commercial and Industrial (C&I) insulation product lines to ECOSE Technology. All Knauf mechanical insulation products, including Friendly-Feel™ Duct Wrap, Eclipse™ Duct Board, Duct Board M, Sonic XP™ Duct Liner and Rigid Plenum Liner have now been converted to ECOSE Technology. All remaining Knauf pipe and equipment insulation products will be converted by the end of year.  This latest move is a further demonstration of Knauf’s unwavering commitment to providing products and services that conserve energy and preserve natural resources for a sustainable future.

ECOSE Technology improves the already exceptional environmental credentials of fiber glass insulation by delivering superior environmental sustainability and reducing embodied energy. And, ECOSE Technology contains none of the phenol, formaldehyde, acrylics or artificial colors typically found in our traditional fiber glass insulation. Products made with ECOSE Technology take on a groundbreaking level of sustainability. Knauf Insulation C&I Market & Channel Manager Doug Bolen says, “We are extremely pleased about this announcement. Knauf Insulation is taking another step forward in their commitment to sustainability with this conversion.  Sustainable construction is predicted to grow at a rate 5 times that of conventional building; and  ECOSE Technology allows us to meet the demands for greater sustainability with the most sustainable insulation products that Knauf has ever produced.”

Knauf’s Insulation products have always been sustainable—made from sand, one of the world’s most abundant, renewable resources and a minimum of 35%, and up to 50%, post consumer recycled bottle glass collected from curbside recycling programs.  But, products made with ECOSE Technology take sustainability to a whole new level. ECOSE Technology does not contain phenol, formaldehyde, acrylics or artificial colors.  This new technology helps reduce the binder embodied energy by up to 70% as compared to our previous products; and reduces the expected Global Warming Potential and total embodied energy of Knauf Insulation products by approximately 4%.

ECOSE Technology is the result of over five years of intense Knauf research and development, resulting in a revolutionary, more sustainable binder for its products. Knauf Insulation director of sustainability and product affairs Scott Miller says, ““With energy costs rising, and energy sources diminishing, conservation is critical for our earth’s future.  Insulating buildings is the single most important factor in ensuring a sustainable future.  Insulation is a known technology that has an immediate economic impact and provides a substantial environmental payback.  With ECOSE Technology we extend our product benefits further because it is based on rapidly-renewable bio-based materials, instead of the conventional non-renewable petroleum-based chemicals used in traditional fiber glass insulation binders. Eliminating those petro-chemicals from our process helps preserve our world’s energy resources. ECOSE Technology creates a more advanced and sustainable product; and since no phenol or formaldehyde is used, it also eliminates manufacturing emissions of those chemicals.”

ECOSE Technology converts bio-based materials into an inert polymer through a proprietary process to create an exceptionally strong adhesive that bonds the fiber glass insulation fibers together.  This new, innovative technology allows Knauf to manufacture insulation products that offer greater sustainability while maintaining the same legendary performance and handling characteristics Knauf customers have grown to expect from all Knauf products.

Miller continues, “Products with ECOSE Technology provide the same thermal, fire and acoustical performance as our current products and meet the same ASTM and industry specifications and standards. Knauf products manufactured with ECOSE Technology comply with all applicable health and safety standards and are GREENGUARD Children and Schools^SM certified for VOC emissions.”

For Knauf Insulation, this is a commitment that extends beyond the North American market. Knauf is in the process of converting all its manufacturing plants around the world to ECOSE Technology, eliminating the non-renewable petroleum-based binders traditionally used, significantly reducing Knauf Insulation’s carbon footprint and providing greater sustainability in all Knauf products globally.

Knauf Insulation is a leading global manufacturer of thermal and acoustical insulations for residential, commercial, industrial, OEM and metal building applications. For more information about Knauf sales and products, visit www.knaufinsulation.us, write to Knauf Insulation GmbH, One Knauf Drive, Shelbyville, IN  46176 or call 800-825-4434 ext. 8212.