Natural fibre insulation launch at Ecobuild

After a successful launch at Ecobuild with a natural fibre insulation product, Plant Fibre Technology is planning to initiate UK production over the coming months.

After a successful launch at Ecobuild in Earls Court with a natural fibre insulation product, Plant Fibre Technology (PFT), a new company based in North Wales, is planning to initiate UK production over the coming months.

The thermal insulation batt, which has had widespread success in Europe over recent years under the brand name Isonat, is presently manufactured in France using hemp fibre and recycled cotton.

Giving a superior thermal and acoustic performance to that of conventional mineral fibre insulation, as well as other natural alternatives, PFT feel that the UK and Irish construction sectors are now ready to consider more sustainable materials in product applications providing the price is competitive.

Gary Newman, Managing Director of Plant Fibre Technology said, "Our objective has always been to take natural fibre-based insulation into the mainstream, from what is presently a niche market".

"And although we already have the most efficient and competitively priced environmental insulation product in the market, a lot of the cost is tied up in transport".

"Enabling UK production will change that, significantly reducing the cost to the customer, providing the opportunity for wider acceptance".

As Isonat is a natural product it does not irritate the skin, eyes, or respiratory tract respecting the health of installers, and occupants.

Additionally the heat capacity of the product is more than double that of mineral fibre insulation helping to enhance thermal comfort by reducing overheating in summer and by damping internal temperature fluctuations - a real plus in consideration of warm roof construction.

Alongside UK production the team at PFT are setting up a natural fibre, fire retardant treatment plant utilising new technology developed in conjunction with the University of Wales and the Biocomposites Centre in Bangor".

""The new technology will not only allow us allow to streamline the production process but help make the end product 25% more performance and cost efficient, which can only be good for the customer", said Gary Newman.

As well as the positive thermal characteristics, the structure and density of the material gives the product excellent durability, enabling it to resist settlement, therefore maintaining its performance over the lifespan of the building.

Also the ability of natural fibres to absorb and release moisture helps to regulate humidity levels thereby reducing the risk of condensation, and creating a more comfortable and healthy internal environment.

Coupled with its inherent health and environmental benefits, the product utilises hemp fibre grown and processed in the UK, which inevitably supports local agriculture.

Furthermore, the hemp plant has the added advantage in its ability to lock up carbon from the atmosphere, which will reduce the effect of climate change.

So as they say at PFT, insulate naturally, and keep your building warm, not the planet!.

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