Knauf is a family-owned company that manufactures building materials and construction systems. That’s today. A lot has happened since 1932 when brothers Alfons and Karl Knauf secured mining rights to gypsum deposits in Obermosel, Germany. However, it was not until 1978 that Knauf began its insulation materials activities, by purchasing an existing plant in Shelbyville, Indiana. Today Knauf Insulation, the insulation materials division of the Knauf Group, prides itself on more than 40 years of experience, over 5,500 employees in more than 35 countries and more than 40 manufacturing sites in 15 countries. It is one of the fastest growing and most respected names in the insulation world.
Knauf makes major breakthrough – leading the way for sustainable future
In mid 2009, after five years of research, Knauf Insulation’s revolutionary ECOSE® Technology binder was rolled out across all its Glass Mineral Wool production plants. This meant that all Earthwool insulation products were now using a binder which contained no added formaldehyde, whilst still maintaining their thermal, acoustic and fire performance and mechanical properties. Glasswool was already being ranked as the best performing insulation in terms of low environmental impact, (being made from recycled glass bottles), and this latest breakthrough extended its lead in providing highly sustainable insulation. The Knauf Earthwool range has no added dyes, bleaches or artificial colours and is more pleasant to work with than traditional glasswool products. It has a softer feel and is less dusty, whilst still retaining its rigidity.
Earthwool insulation for residential and commercial applications
Knauf manufactures a range of insulation products on a global scale. The Earthwool insulation range made from glasswool, but is more comfortable to handle than most glasswool insulation products and is a popular choice with installers. Knauf Earthwool products are non-combustible, rot-proof, odourless, non-hygroscopic (will not absorb atmospheric moisture) do not sustain vermin and will not encourage the growth of fungi, mould or bacteria.
Knauf’s blow-in products and systems save home owners the mess and cost of opening up and replacing wall linings to install thermal and acoustic insulation. Blow-in insulation can also be installed in residential ceilings, where it covers all horizontal timber rafters and trusses, thereby reducing thermal bridging and offering superior thermal performance. This range offers acoustic solutions for existing commercial buildings, such as aged care homes, hotels, offices and high-rise apartments where acoustic insulation was not installed during construction.
ClimaFoam Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) Insulation is a high performing thermal and structural insulation solution. It is a lightweight, water resistance thermal insulation board which is highly resistant to compression and able to withstand occasional and long term static loads. Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning products are now also available with Knauf insulation, offering high performance and cost-effective HVAC solutions.
Customers come first with Knauf
Knauf Insulation is about caring for and putting the needs of its customers first. Its core values of challenge, create and care are deeply embedded in the company, brand and family. Knauf challenges old ways of thinking about insulation, creates innovative solutions, whilst taking care of things that really matter: customers, communities and our planet.