New wood fibre insulation material combines natural low thermal conductivity and high thermal inertia

(16/03/2009)

ACTIS has launched SYLVACTIS 55 FX, a new wood fibre insulation material, at the EcoBuild and FutureBuild show. SYLVACTIS 55 FX combines natural low thermal conductivity (λ = 0.037) and high thermal inertia, to give maximum comfort in winter as well as in summer.

The new product is manufactured from 100% waste wood, sourced from local sawmills using wood provided from sustainably managed forests. Suitable for use in roofs, walls and floors, the new environmentally conscious product marks ACTIS' commitment to supplying a range of sustainable insulation products to market.

“SYLVACTIS 55 FX clearly demonstrates our commitment to innovation, continuous environmental improvement and the sustainability of our products throughout their lifecycle. It will give our customers increased product choice. Later this year we will be offering additional versions of SYLVACTIS, along with some innovative combinations of materials” said Matthew King, Manager UK and Ireland, ACTIS Insulation Ltd.

The insulating batt is flexible and easy to install, and as it is denser than traditional thick insulation products, it is more resistant to air infiltration and sagging to give long lasting insulation performance. At the end of its lifecycle, the product can be easily reused to bring further environmental benefits. Ranging in thickness from 40mm to 140mm, the product will be available through main distributors of ACTIS products in the UK.

In addition to the products thermal performance and environmental benefits, it also provides buildings with enhanced acoustic performance due to the responsive properties of wood fibre insulation. Furthermore, through water vapour diffusion, the wood fibre insulation regulates relative air humidity to maintain internal air quality.

In order to manufacture the product, ACTIS has invested in its fully integrated production facilities near Toulouse, France. Its new production line for SYLVACTIS 55 FX incorporates the company’s eco-design approach and commitment to reduce the environmental impact of its manufacturing operations and products. The new ‘dry production process’ uses low energy inputs and only a very small quantity of water.

Matthew King continues: “As building regulations for energy consumption become more demanding over the coming years leading up to Zero Carbon in 2016, we want to offer as many high quality insulation systems as possible. In the future, very high thermal requirements will require a more holistic approach, which will make combining different types of insulation materials necessary. Zero carbon homes will need to fight conduction, radiation and convection: SYLVACTIS provides an excellent response to conduction and convection and our multi-foil product, TRISO-SUPER 10 an excellent solution to heat loss from radiation and convection.”

Composed of 92% natural wood fibres treated with a fire-retardant and 8% polyolefin binder, SYLVACTIS 55 FX has been tested in compliance with the ‘Hot-Box’ EN 13171 Standard and benefits from CE-marking, meaning that all the essential requirements of the relevant European Directive are met.

As well as using the standard ‘hot-box’ test for conduction for its new wood fibre products, ACTIS will also continue to use in situ tests for its products. This is because it firmly believes that the industry needs to add to its knowledge base by using additional and more innovative testing methods to understand how real buildings work.

Related categories:  Environmental technologies for offices and commercial   Environmental technologies for Residential and Green homes   Insulation   Wood and timber recycling