NEWS RELEASE

Knauf Launches Sonic XP™ Duct Liner Made With ECOSE^® Technology in Commercial and Industrial Markets

(SHELBYVILLE, Ind., Nov 9, 2009)—Knauf Insulation is pleased to announce the launch of Sonic XP Duct Liner made with ECOSE Technology.  Used as a high performance acoustical insulation inside sheet metal ductwork, Sonic XP Duct Liner with ECOSE Technology is the latest innovation from Knauf designed to provide excellent sound control for HVAC systems, while providing a more sustainable duct insulation solution.  This latest sustainable product offering 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. 

Legendary Product Performance

Sonic XP Duct Liner with ECOSE Technology delivers the same exceptional performance and handling characteristics that Knauf customers have come to expect.  But, Sonic XP Duct Liner with ECOSE Technology doesn’t look like, or perform like, any duct liner you’ve ever seen from Knauf.  It is a flexible fiber glass blanket with a mat facing that fabricates cleanly and efficiently to provide thermal and acoustical insulation with a high level of cutting accuracy.   “This product is a real advancement for our contractors and fabricators,” says Knauf’s C&I market and channel manager, Doug Bolen.  “Sonic XP with ECOSE Technology will help speed fabrication on all machines and processes because it cuts more cleanly, accurately, and has a higher resistance to abuse.  It’s gutsy, and has a new mat facing.  It really makes their jobs much easier while meeting all required performance specifications and applicable standards, including ASTM, Underwriters Laboratories (UL), GREENGUARD for Children and Schools ^SM..”

Sonic XP Duct Liner strength and superior handling characteristics come from using ECOSE Technology as the binding agent.  ECOSE Technology converts rapidly renewable 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, making Sonic XP Duct Liner very durable and abuse resistant in the shop and on the job site.  

Sustainable Results with ECOSE Technology

Sonic XP Duct Liner with ECOSE Technology improves the already exceptional environmental credentials of fiber glass insulation in general, and duct lining materials in particular because it is produced with a revolutionary new binder called ECOSE Technology. ECOSE Technology delivers superior environmental sustainability, reduces embodied energy, and contains no phenol, formaldehyde, acrylics or artificial colors typically found in our traditional fiber glass insulation binder.  “These new products have set a benchmark for sustainability in the mechanical insulation market,” says Knauf director of sustainability and product affairs Scott Miller.  “ECOSE Technology is allowing Knauf to offer customers the most sustainable products we have ever produced, and it’s turning some heads in marketplace.” 

Knauf’s launch of this next generation of sustainable commercial and industrial insulation products further extends their long-held culture of environmental stewardship and continuous improvement according to Knauf Insulation president, Bob Claxton. “This isn’t new for Knauf—sustainability is at the core of all we do.  Knauf’s mission is to provide products and services that conserve energy and preserve natural resources for a sustainable future,” says Claxton. “Products made using ECOSE Technology push the technical boundaries, and represent a step-change for the insulation industry.  These products are the result of 5 years of research and development efforts designed to provide improved products that offer a much higher level of sustainability to the construction materials market.”

Knauf 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%.

“With energy costs rising, and energy sources diminishing, conservation is critical for our earth’s future,” continues Miller. “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 made using rapidly-renewable bio-based materials, instead of the conventional non-renewable petroleum-based chemicals used in traditional binders. That eliminates petroleum-based binder chemicals from our process, and 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.” 

Claxton emphasizes that the demand for greater sustainability in building construction is clear, and will be the driving force for new construction in the foreseeable future.  He adds, “Our future demands a more sustainable strategy—and Knauf is proud to lead the way.”

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.