The North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) recently announced the result of its annual recycled content survey, which reports its members’ use of recycled materials. In 2023, NAIMA members in the U.S. and Canada used more than 3.0 billion pounds of recycled glass and slag to produce residential, commercial, industrial, and air-handling thermal and acoustical insulation.
(Source: NAIMA)
More specifically, the data showed that in 2023, facilities in the United States used more than 2.3 billion pounds of recycled glass, while Canadian facilities used more than 381 million pounds. U.S. and Canadian facilities reported a combined use of more than 413 million pounds of recycled slag in 2023.
Using materials derived from secondary sources reduces demand for virgin resources and saves landfill space by diverting glass containers and slag from the solid waste stream.
Since the industry’s recycling program began in 1992, NAIMA members’ plants have diverted more than 103.5 billion pounds of recycled materials from the waste stream.
“Our industry continues to demonstrate its commitment to using recycled materials in the production of these essential products,” said Curt Rich, president and CEO of NAIMA. “With increased focus on whole building decarbonization, insulation products will be a critical component of that activity. Sourcing recycled materials is one way we can decrease our environmental impact while producing essential insulation materials that ultimately lower building emissions.”