Insulation makers tally recycled glass consumption

In an annual membership survey, the North American Insulation Manufacturers Association (NAIMA) found that member companies used more than 3 billion pounds, or 1.5 million tons, of recycled materials in 2023.

Recyclable glass represented the largest portion (about 86.6 percent) of that 3 billion pounds, according to the Alexandria, Virginia-based association.

Survey results for 2023 show facilities in the United States used more than 2.3 billion pounds (1.15 million tons) of recycled glass while Canadian facilities used another 381 million pounds (190,500 tons). NAIMA member facilities in both countries reported a combined use of more than 413 million pounds (206,500 tons) of slag materials in 2023.

Members used the slag and discarded glass to help produce residential, commercial, industrial and air-handling thermal and acoustical insulation. 

“Our industry continues to demonstrate its commitment to using recycled materials in the production of these essential products,” NAIMA President and CEO Curt Rich says. “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.”

Since an industrywide recycling program began in 1992, NAIMA members’ facilities have diverted more than 103.5 billion pounds (51.75 million tons) of recycled materials from the waste stream.