idw – Informationsdienst Wissenschaft
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
Nachrichten, Termine, Experten
idw - Informationsdienst
Wissenschaft
As part of the new “CircularInFoam” project, researchers at Fraunhofer CCPE are developing sustainable, circular insulation materials based on recyclates and biopolymers. In view of the challenges in the building sector, which is responsible for 35% of final energy consumption in Germany, the project aims to reduce heat loss and support climate neutrality by 2045. Preliminary work is already being presented at BAU 2025 in Munich.
The building sector in Germany is not only responsible for around 35% of final energy consumption, but also for 30% of CO2 emissions. In order to achieve climate neutrality by 2045, it is essential to reduce heat loss through the building envelope. In addition to numerous other measures, such as the replacement of heating systems, windows and doors, leaks must be eliminated and the masonry insulated to a greater extent. Around 11.5 million m³ of polystyrene insulation materials are used in Germany every year, and demand is increasing. Polystyrene foam insulation materials account for a market share of around 30%. However, the required fire classes can only be achieved with halogenated flame retardants, which must be viewed critically due to their production and use.
The EU Building Efficiency Directive aims to achieve energy savings of 16% by 2030 and up to 22% by 2035 compared to 2020. This can only be achieved with sustainable insulation materials.
Sustainable polymers and halogen-free flame retardants
The Fraunhofer Institutes LBF, ICT and IBP have therefore launched the “CircularInFoam” project as part of the Fraunhofer CCPE. The aim is to develop thermoplastic foams for use as sustainable insulation materials based on recycled materials and biopolymers. The focus here is on the use of sustainable polymers and halogen-free flame retardants. In view of stricter regulatory requirements, the project team is further optimizing the flame retardant properties of the new insulation material.
The project takes into account not only technical but also social and regulatory requirements and offers the potential to further advance sustainable insulation materials. The approach is divided into six work packages, ranging from the selection of suitable flame retardants and process development to the analysis and building physics evaluation of the foams produced. Interested industrial companies are invited to get in touch in order to be involved as partners and ensure market acceptance. The results will then be processed and published in a guideline. The Fraunhofer Institutes ICT and IBP will present the current status of the components sustainable insulation materials and halogen-free flame retardants included in the project at BAU 2025, Munich, January 13-17, 2025, Stand 528, Hall C2.
https://www.ccpe.fraunhofer.de/en.html (Fraunhofer CCPE)
PLA particle foam as a sustainable insulation material in building technology
Fraunhofer ICT
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