Saving energy with insulation materials

Rising energy expenses and tougher environmental demands create additional challenges for the insulation and construction industries. Walki’s new production line meets these challenges, offering customers increasingly better solutions.

Climate change has made insulation more important than ever. Walki’s new production line in Valkeakoski, Finland, which focuses on laminates for the insulation and construction industries, complies with environmentally sound principles.

“Environmental issues are important to Walki. The new line enables us to produce a product of higher quality, while also generating less waste thanks to improved runnability. Higher quality also means better functionality on customer lines”, explains Teijo Nurminen, Vice President and General Manager, Technical Products.

In his view, higher energy expenses, the Kyoto Protocol and stricter environmental requirements all contribute to the rising importance of insulation.

“Walki is putting a great deal of emphasis on products that save energy. A reduction in carbon dioxide emissions and a decrease in energy consumption help to reduce environmental impact. Our new production line is a good example of this,” says Nurminen.

Equally good but thinner

Building requirements are growing stricter, the energy ratings of homes are becoming more common and insulation is expected to offer better properties. Walki works hard to develop functional multilayer laminates of increasingly higher quality.

“What is required is a diffusion-tight laminate that improves the insulation properties, while also lowering the need for thermal energy. A low-emission surface improves the insulating properties of the product and structure. These days, customers expect to get the same insulating properties as before but in thinner materials. Thinner insulation boards obviously mean cost savings to customers and their customers,” says Nurminen, outlining the current requirements.

Despite the economic downturn, Walki’s belief in the future of the insulation industry remains strong. “Global energy expenses will not drop in the future, and the conservation of energy will continue to be a vital question.”