F- blanket: A new, revolutionary, health and environment friendly insulating material
A big step forward
Increasing interest has been directed towards waste gas from building materials and fragmenting of particles as factors having a negative effect on people's health. Today's market leading products (Glava and Rockwool) can lead to serious health problems, such as skin irritation and irritation of the mucous membrane in eyes, nose and throat. According to the Ministry of Health, mineral wool fibres indoors may lead to cancer. Recently, high concentrations of mineral wool fibres have been registered in several school buildings and day care centres.
The F-blanket represents no health hazard. The blanket is clean, no chemicals have been added and it is easy to work with.
Saves Energy
Energy consumption in production of one square meter of a 15 cm thick insulation blanket made from mineral wool is 14kwh. In comparison, only 4kwh of energy is needed to produce the F-blanket.
A milestone
For a long time, developers, contractors, architects and consultants have been asking for more health and environmental friendly building materials, but little has happened. The entry of the F-blanket into the market can therefore be considered a milestone in the industry.
The goal is a 10-15% market share in the course of a couple of years, equalling an annual turnover of NOK 50 million. A good start has already been secured as Veidekke has agreed to use the F-blanket in all self owned building projects. Positive signals have also come from Selmer, one of the co-owners, as well as from several major developers who attach importance to health and environmental perspectives.
Textiles from the Salvation Army
An agreement has been made with the Salvation Army's shop, Fretex, for the supply of textiles. This agreement states that clothing etc. that cannot be used by the Salvation Army in their work, will be used as raw material in the production of the F-blanket, thereby guaranteeing more money to the Salvation Army.
Several textile factories have also signed letters of intent regarding supply of discarded textiles.
Production starts early next year
A separate company, F-matten, has been established to manufacture and market the F-blanket. Veidekke is the main owner with 37.8% of the shares. Other shareholders are Fritjov Johansen (34%), Holstad Invest (26.8) and Selmer (1.4%).
In Askim, premises of 1,100 square meters have been prepared for production purposes. Production methods and technical solutions have been clarified, and the project is fully financed by loans and support from e.g. the Norwegian Industrial and Regional Development Fund (SND), the Norwegian Water and Electricity Board (NVE) and Eco Building (Øko-bygg). Production is scheduled to start in January next year. The estimated sales price of the F-blanket is highly competitive.