Existing insulation materials usually have a major drawback: Either they insulate well but are flammable (e.g., wood fibers), or they are non-flammable but not sustainable (e.g., mineral wool). The next-generation insulation material is designed to unite a number of properties that have, until now, been difficult to combine:

• It is made from renewable raw materials — it is sustainable due to its high wood-fiber content
• It is non-combustible — as a result of inorganic binders and flame retardants (class A2)
• It has good insulating properties — as a result of a specifically designed pore structure
• It does not emit toxic smoke gases in the event of a fire – low emissions
• It is extremely versatile — for interior and exterior use, including as façade insulation

Why do we need this insulation material?

In Germany, the market for insulation materials generates billions in revenue. However, bio-based materials, such as wood-fiber insulation materials, have so far accounted for only a minor share of this market. The primary inhibiting factor is their fire behavior. Conventional wood-fiber insulation materials only achieve the classification “normally flammable.” In multi-story timber construction (building classes 4 and 5) as well as in high-rise construction, however, insulation materials that are flame-retardant or non-combustible are required. This is where “NiBreHoDae” comes in.

In terms of sustainability and resource conservation, insulation materials made from wood fibers or other natural materials are increasingly gaining in importance. Insulation materials are a key component of climate protection, energy conservation, sustainable construction, and building safety. These topics currently have a high priority in society and politics. As a result, we are therefore working on the development of building materials with the goal of combining wood fibers with inorganic binders in order to create a non-combustible insulation material. 

Where is this project headed?

The goal of the project is the development of a non-combustible insulation material on the basis of wood fibers for multi-story timber construction with high fire-protection requirements. The insulation material will consist primarily of wood fibers of varying qualities and will be manufactured using suitable inorganic binders and other additives.

During the development phase, the material’s fire and emission behavior will be investigated and optimized. The aim is to create a product that can replace fossil-based insulation materials, is made from renewable raw resources, and offers technical properties that are equivalent to or better than those of conventional insulation materials.

The insulation material is intended to be suitable for both interior and exterior applications, to achieve building material class non-combustible A2 in accordance with DIN EN 13501-1, and to be deployable as an external thermal insulation composite system (ETICS). A further key aspect is recyclability.

In addition, the project will examine the material’s potential applications in façade elements and compare them with conventional insulation materials. The accompanying life cycle assessment will continuously optimize the product.

The participating industry partners along the entire value chain — from wood-fiber manufacturers to end users — will benefit from the results through new products, additional customer groups, and a strengthened market position.

We can help you to drive forward innovation!

We develop not only fire-protection solutions, but also comprehensive material and component solutions as well as the related processes — for virtually every sector. Our particular expertise lies in solutions based on renewable raw materials, biogenic residual and recycling materials, and multi-material systems. With our materials and component testing, certification services and our involvement in standardization committees, we can assist you in making sustainable material and product innovations marketable.

Take advantage of our extensive experience and our wide range of services. As a competent research and development partner, we would be delighted to assist you — from the raw material through to the end product.