International recognition for Soprema circularity

Soprema's XPS insulation has been awarded a bronze cradle to cradle certificate. This recognition by the international Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute confirms that right across the world, this insulation material is the preferred product in the transition to a fair, circular economy and a cleaner world. “As pioneers in sustainable production, we are delighted to demonstrate that economic success and ecological responsibility can indeed go hand in hand,” commented Roel Hendrickx, Plant Manager of Soprema's site in Tongeren (Belgium).

Choosing natural raw materials; Producing with renewable energy sources; Creating products that are economical to use and which last a long time; Ensuring that the product will still be of use after its services have been rendered, and that it will not become waste. Soprema has drawn inspiration from this cradle-to-cradle philosophy in its research and development for many years. The result: innovative materials that are among the best in the world.

Two Silver Awards

Having already obtained the coveted Cradle to Cradle Certificate for six bituminous roofing products; Soprema’s XPS insulation has also been rated (very) good after rigorous testing. The Cradle to Cradle Products Innovation Institute examined the material across five categories:

• Material health: What substances does the material consist of?
• Product circularity: Does it contribute to a circular economy?
• Clean air and climate protection: What impact does its manufacture have on air quality?
• Water & soil stewardship: What is the impact on water supplies and soil?
• Social fairness: What are the working conditions like?

The result: not only did the XPS boards score a bronze certificate, they even achieved silver in the 'material reuse' and 'renewable energy and CO2 management' categories.

Second Life

Soprema produces XPS insulation boards at its hi-tech production site in Tongeren – ensuring the smallest possible impact on the environment and a minimal CO2 footprint. The main raw materials used are EPS packaging (Expanded Polystyrene, Styrofoam) and used fish packaging which also gets a second life as XPS.

Not only are pre-existing materials spared from being heaped onto the waste mountain, once they have been upcycled into XPS, the insulation material is then itself fully recyclable.

The many advantages of XPS

Professionals rely on XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) to insulate(cavity) walls, floors, flat and pitched roofs, facades, foundation walls, car parks and parking roofs. These high performance insulating boards are pressure and dimensionally stable, moisture resistant and recyclable. In addition, the material is light in weight and easy to cut and process.

In short, XPS proves its worth throughout the entire building envelope.

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ABOUT SOPREMA

Soprema was founded in 1908 as an independent family business. Known for the production of millions of square meters of waterproofing and insulation systems, Soprema has 9,720 employees spread over 101 production sites and +100 subsidiaries. The group is active in 90 countries and has 17 R&D centres that mainly focus on sustainable development and 22 training centres in 8 countries. Soprema attaches great importance to corporate social responsibility.