Autex’s 100% polyester insulation products represent a new generation of environmentally-friendly building materials. Containing between 45% and 85% recycled fibre, they are manufactured using energy-efficient processes and are fully recyclable. And because they contain no chemical additives, they’re safer for both the environment and people at every stage of their product life.
Autex is proud that a number of our insulation products, including GreenStuf Pads and GreenStuf Roll Form, have achieved certification by the government eco-labelling agency Environmental Choice New Zealand. To achieve ECNZ certification, these products were thoroughly tested and proven to meet stringent thermal performance standards. The ECNZ accreditation process also assessed the manufacturing materials and processes of the products, as well as Autex’s energy-efficiency, recycling and waste management practices.
Autex is using more and more polyester fibre recycled from PET plastic in our products. GreenStuf products contain a minimum of 45% recycled fibre, and some of our QuietStuf products have up to 85% recycled content. Polyester fibre can be recycled indefinitely, so all our insulation products are fully recyclable. All Autex products are manufactured under our zero-waste policy, with all off-cuts and waste being fed back into the production process.
Autex polyester insulation products have a low ‘embodied energy’, which means they have a small manufacturing and distribution energy ‘footprint’. Embodied energy refers to all the energy used to extract, process, refine, package, distribute and install a product. Autex insulation uses a high percentage of recycled fibre, and the plastic it is made from is already a by-product of the petroleum manufacturing process. It therefore requires relatively little energy throughout its life cycle, resulting in a low embodied energy rating.
Many traditional insulation products are bound together with chemicals including formaldehyde, a known carcinogen. They also often contain other chemical additives such as fire retardants and pest repellants. Autex polyester insulation, however, contains only that – polyester. No chemical binders, retardants or repellants, which means it’s kinder to the environment and kinder to people too. Polyester insulation products release no significant volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and the fibres cannot be breathed in. This makes them safe even for asthma sufferers and contributes to better indoor air quality in polyester-insulated buildings.
