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Polyurethane insulation

Polyurethane is a polymer-based construction material. It can include rigid or spray foam and can be used in residential and commercial buildings for insulation.

Polyurethane insulation helps conserve natural resources and helps preserve the environment by reducing energy usage. With its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, insulation properties, durability and versatility, polyurethane is frequently used in building and construction applications [1].

Polyurethanes are formed by reacting a polyol (an alcohol with more than two reactive hydroxyl groups per molecule) with an isocyanate in the presence of suitable catalysts and additives to produce a foam. For insulation foam, methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) is usually used.

In Australia, our buildings account for 19 per cent of total energy used and 18 per cent of our total direct GHG emissions according to the Australian Energy Update 2017 [2].

Polyurethane insulation is a key part of a sustainable, energy efficient solution because it has a range of advantages over alternative materials for meeting energy efficiency requirements. Polyurethane insulation materials also save more energy during their lifetime than is used in their production.

Polyurethane insulation improves living comfort while generating significant energy savings, thereby improving access to affordable and future-resilient housing and increasing energy efficiency [3]. The initial cost of building energy efficient housing is generally higher due to the extra costs associated with improved insulation. These are short-term costs, which will be returned as the gains from energy savings will be significant [4].

Polyurethane insulation systems create protective air barriers in roofs, walls and under floors, effectively sealing off the building from the elements to help save energy. Furthermore, buildings insulated with polyurethane foam often require smaller heating and air conditioning units, which could save additional money for the building owner [5].

Energy efficient buildings, such as those using polyurethane foam products, use less energy to heat and cool, requiring less fossil fuel use and emitting fewer greenhouse gas emissions [5].

Polyurethane insulation has fire resistant properties and is thinner compared to conventional materials, which leads to lighter construction and more indoor space [6].

Polyurethane spray foam insulation is a highly energy-efficient product and quickly offsets its manufacturing footprint. Compared to other insulation and air sealing products, the environmental payback period for spray foam can be as little as 7 to 8 years. With the typical insulation life span of 75 years, this means that spray foam can save energy for generations [7].

More information on polyurethane insulation is available on the Australian Modern Building Alliance (AMBA) website.

Become a member of Chemistry Australia

Membership of Chemistry Australia signals your commitment to the industry and ensures your organisation can play an active role in shaping the future for Australia’s chemistry sector.
By working together, we can have a stronger voice to prosecute the key challenges facing our industry and advance chemistry as a critical enabler of a safer, more sustainable future for Australia and the broader community.

Chemistry Australia Chair, Karen Dobson

  • Effective and more influential industry advocacy to complement your business’ strategic objectives
  • Opportunities to influence the industry’s position on key policy and regulatory matters
  • Timely industry intelligence, analysis, and services to help inform your business decisions
  • Tailored tools and resources to save your organisation time, effort and money

We offer membership packages tailored to best meet the needs of businesses in, and associated with, the Australian chemistry industry:
Corporate membership for businesses that manufacture chemical products, import, store, handle and/or distribute chemical and plastic products, convert plastics, or are involved in research, technology and education.
Affiliate membership for organisations that represent a sector of the industry in Australia and internationally.
Partner membership for organisations that provide services, equipment and professional development to the industry.
Associate membership for SMEs and organisations in the chemistry industry value chain. 
Personal membership for professionals in the Australian chemistry industry.

All membership enquiries are welcome.
Please contact Chemistry Australia on 03 9611 5400 or email .
We look forward to working with you.