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 2022, NAIMA members in the United States and Canada used more than 3.4 billion pounds of recycled glass and slag in the production of residential, commercial, industrial, and air-handling thermal and acoustical insulation. 

More specifically, the data showed that in 2022, facilities in the United States used more than 2.3 billion pounds of recycled glass, while Canadian facilities used more than 357 million pounds. U.S. and Canadian facilities reported a combined use of more than 699 million pounds of recycled slag in 2022.

Using materials derived from secondary sources not only reduces demand for virgin resources but also 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 100.5 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."

For more information about the environmental benefits of fiber glass, rock wool, and slag wool insulation, visit www.insulationinstitue.org.