Owens Corning puts more green in PINK

Owens Corning said it has expanded recycled content in its signature PINK fiberglass insulation to 35 percent, and had its claim certified by Emeryville, Calif.-based Scientific Certification Systems.

The company stated that continuing to bump up recycled content in its insulation is in keeping with its commitment to fostering green building practices. Fiberglass insulation like PINK is widely used, but may not be an environmentally friendly product due to possible off-gassing of formaldehyde and other resins used in manufacturing, as well as the dangers associated with inhalation of the tiny glass fibers.

Scientific Certification Systems has certified two other Owens Corning products for recycled content — a roofing material, and Foamular.

Foamular is the material Owens Corning plans to manufacture in a plant awaiting permitting in Gresham. Local activists have objected to Owens Corning’s plans for the factory, as Foamular production uses the ozone-depleting gas HCFC 142-B. HCFC 142-B is scheduled to be banned by the federal government for many uses within five years. Owens Corning said it will find a substitute by 2010; activists have asked the company to develop that substitute before proceeding with production.

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