Pioneering sustainability and safety in Australian insulation
In a momentous stride towards sustainable construction and ensuring a healthier living environment, Knauf Insulation is proud to announce that all of our unfaced glasswool products available in Australia have been awarded the coveted Declare label by the International Living Future Institute and are certified as being officially free from Red List materials. This recognition underscores our commitment to providing not only high-performance insulation solutions but also materials that prioritise the wellbeing of both building occupants and the planet.
Understanding the negative impact of harmful ingredients
Construction materials containing harmful chemicals can pose severe risks to both the environment and human health. These chemicals can leach into the surroundings, affecting air and water quality, and potentially leading to long-term health issues for building occupants. Furthermore, their presence can impede the recycling process, contributing to waste accumulation and compromising the overall sustainability of construction projects.
The Red List: A crucial tool for safer construction
There are several hundred individual chemicals on the Red List, with notable classes including asbestos compounds, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), formaldehyde (added), halogenated flame retardants, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and toxic heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, chromium, lead and mercury.
The Red List is a stringent compilation of chemicals and materials that are known to have detrimental effects on health and the environment. Developed by the International Living Future Institute, the Red List serves as a beacon for architects, builders, and homeowners to identify and avoid materials containing these harmful substances. The aim is to create a world where every building product is free from these harmful ingredients, thus promoting the healthiest and most sustainable spaces possible.
Knauf Insulation glasswool: Free of unhealthy ingredients
To achieve the Declare label, Knauf Insulation has disclosed the entire composition of its glasswool products. Our glasswool insulation is manufactured using up to 80% recycled content, mainly used bottles and jars collected locally from household waste. Another key factor in achieving Declare ‘Red List Free’ status is ECOSE® Technology, Knauf Insulation’s unique plant-based binder, which contains no added formaldehyde or phenol – substances which feature on the Declare Red List.
In addition to Declare, Knauf Insulation glasswool is certified to the highest Eurofins Gold standard for indoor air comfort. This demonstrates compliance with all relevant VOC-related requirements in Europe and beyond.
Knauf Insulation's commitment to sustainability
At Knauf Insulation, sustainability is a core value that guides our every action. By obtaining the Declare Red List Free label for our glasswool products in Australia, we reaffirm our dedication to providing the highest quality insulation solutions that prioritise the health and wellbeing of people and the planet. This achievement reflects our ongoing efforts to push the boundaries of what's possible in sustainable construction, and we are excited to be a driving force in the movement towards a healthier, greener future.
The attainment of the Declare Red List Free label for Knauf Insulation's glasswool products in Australia marks a pivotal moment in sustainable construction. This achievement not only sets a new standard for safety and environmental consciousness in the industry but also signifies a collective commitment to creating spaces that enhance the wellbeing of occupants and protect our planet. As we continue to innovate and lead, Knauf Insulation remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of sustainability and fostering a brighter, healthier future for all.
