Recycled Insulation in South Africa

As the world becomes more conscious about the impact of human activity on the environment, people are seeking out eco-friendly alternatives to everyday products. One such solution is recycled insulation, which is gaining popularity in South Africa as a sustainable and cost-effective way to insulate homes and buildings.

Let’s take a look at the various products that we currently have available on the South African market.

We are excluding Isotherm from this list as they do not have an SABS approval rating anymore. The density and R-value of the product are no longer being quality control checked.

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1. Knauf Insulation – Currently The Most Popular Recycled Insulation

Knauf Insulation is made by a company that produces a variety of insulation products, including glass mineral wool, rock mineral wool, and wood wool. Their products are manufactured out of sand and recycled glass.

They have a strong commitment to sustainability and reducing their environmental impact. They have implemented several initiatives to reduce their energy consumption, minimize waste, and increase their use of recycled materials.

For example, Knauf Insulation has implemented a closed-loop manufacturing process, which allows them to recycle waste from their production process and reuse it in the manufacturing of new products. They also use recycled glass in the production of their glass mineral wool insulation.

2. Think Pink Aerolite

Aerolite Insulation is another recycled insulation product. It is made from recycled glass and silica sand. Aerolite is produced from a combination of naturally occurring minerals such as silica sand, which is a sustainable resource, and up to 80% recycled glass making their fiberglass product environmentally friendly and non-combustible.

3. Fabufill Insulation

Fabufill Insulation is a recycled polyester product we have on the South African market that is SABS approved, unlike Isotherm which lost its approval rating. The product is made from recycled plastic PET bottles. These plastic bottles would normally go to dump sites and landfills.

Fabufill has taken these bottles and made a recycled insulation product in South Africa. Another benefit to fabufill is that it is people-friendly as well. It does have a lower R-value and density than the glass fiber products though.

4. Cellulose Fibre Insulation

Cellulose Fiber is another recycled insulation product in South Africa. It is made from newspapers. The newspaper is treated with chemicals to give it a fire retardant status in order to make it an acceptable insulating product. The problem with cellulose is that it’s very heavy on the ceiling boards and can cause ceiling collapses.

Which Is The Best Recycled Insulation Product?

Out of the 4 products mentioned above, Knauf is the product we would recommend for home use. It’s a high-performance insulation product with great acoustic properties. We get the best feed back from our customers after having this material installed.

Benefits Of Recycled Insulation In South Africa

Environmentally friendly: Recycled insulation is made from recycled materials, such as plastic bottles and newspaper, which helps reduce waste and pollution.
Energy-efficient: Recycled insulation is an effective way to insulate your home or building, reducing the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling. This can save you money on your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
Safe and healthy: Recycled insulation is free from harmful chemicals (except cellulose), making it safe for both you and the environment.

How Does Recycled Insulation Work?

Recycled insulation works by trapping air within its fibers, creating a barrier between the inside and outside of a building. This barrier helps to regulate temperature and reduce energy loss. It can be used in a variety of applications, including walls, roofs, floors, and attics.

Recycled insulation materials are available through specialist suppliers such as Insulation Warehouse.

FAQs:

Is recycled insulation more expensive than traditional insulation?

While the initial cost of recycled insulation may be slightly higher than traditional insulation, it can save you money in the long run due to its energy-efficient properties.

Is recycled insulation difficult to install?

Easily installed by a professional or as a DIY project, depending on your level of experience.

Is recycled insulation suitable for all types of buildings?

It can be used in most types of buildings, including homes, offices, and industrial buildings.

Where to find recycled insulation in South Africa?

Recycled insulation is widely available in South Africa. Home Insulations stock all the major brands.

Related Insulation Pages

Insulation – A full breakdown of insulation types and uses.
Materials – Explore insulation by material type.
Applications – See which insulation suits each area of your home.
Guides – Expert tips for installation, care, and choosing materials.
Comparisons – Compare insulation products and materials side by side.
Ceiling Insulation – Learn which materials work best for SA ceilings.
Roof Insulation – Understand insulation options for roofs and attics.