THE LATEST development of Kingspan’s QuadCore 2.0 self-blended insulation technology demonstrates that innovation and product performance enhancement do not need to be delivered to the detriment of the planet.

QuadCore 2.0 is manufactured with a formulation containing a raw material that uses 40% recycled PET. This innovative formulation has satisfied the requirements for a two-hour fire resistance period in third party fire tests for both insulation and integrity, in turn making it the first closed cell insulated panel system to ever achieve this rating.

QuadCore 2.0 is a key step towards one of Kingspan’s ‘Planet Passionate’ goals of ensuring that the business recycles 1 billion PET bottles by 2030 and for QuadCore Technology to use recycled PET by 2025.

The aforementioned EN 1364-1 fire resistance test was conducted by WarringtonFire using the next generation QuadCore 2.0 with 220 mm thick, 1,000 mm wide coldstore through fix insulated panels, thereby satisfying the requirements of EI 120 (more of which anon). This test result was obtained without the need for stitching screws to secure the panel joints. During testing, the furnace reached a temperature in excess of 1,000 degrees Centigrade.

Mike Stenson, head of innovation at Kingspan, commented: “Since its launch in 2016, QuadCore Technology has been at the forefront of closed cell insulation innovation, with an unrivalled combination of thermal efficiency, fire performance, environmental credentials and the warranty offering. Within our innovation and chemical development teams, we’re continuously striving to take each of these performance factors to the next level, creating an insulation technology truly designed with future building performance in mind.”

Stenson continued: “The inclusion of recycled PET as a raw material in our formulation is a key objective for us globally as we work towards a more circular approach, with our new breakthrough significantly enhancing performance. The expertise in blended chemical systems available to us following the acquisition of Synthesia back in 2017 has undoubtedly helped to make this step change possible both in terms of sustainability and fire performance, as this EI 120 test result clearly shows.”

The QuadCore 2.0 insulated panel range is currently going through a further rigorous testing and certification programme, including reaction to fire and measurement against various insurer-backed standards. Once completed, the first products containing the new core are expected to be ready for market in this year.

Fire resistance is a measure of how long construction assemblies can withstand and contain a fire. The measurement is expressed in integrity (E) which is the ability to withstand fire exposure on one side, while stopping the passage of flames and hot gases through to the unexposed side for a period of time.

It’s also expressed in insulation (I). The building element will be able to stop the passage of heat through to the unexposed side up to a maximum non-fire side surface temperature value for a period of time.

In essence, EI 120 means that the product provides certified integrity (E) and insulation (I) performance for 120 minutes.

*Further information is available online at www.kingspanpanels.co.uk