INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
BUSINESS AND TRAINING NEWS
Tammy Grove, Kingspan regional sales manager.
INNOVATING FOR A SUSTAINABLE BUILT ENVIRONMENT
Van Helm articulated this ambition as fuelling a continuous cycle of innovation and strategic acquisitions aimed at improving the building materials industry.
“ At the core of Kingspan ' s innovation strategy lies a relentless pursuit of improved building materials. This involves significant investment in R & D, exemplified by their exploration of robotics to automate panel stitching, enhancing efficiency and precision. Furthermore, Kingspan actively seeks acquisitions that align with their sustainability goals, prioritising companies that offer enhanced insulation properties and contribute to a lower environmental footprint. This strategic approach ensures that growth is intrinsically linked to the company ' s overarching mission,” said Van Helm.
A key aspect of Kingspan ' s product innovation is the integration of advanced technologies into its core offerings. Their power panel, for instance, can be integrated with solar solutions, presenting a significant opportunity, particularly in Europe, for energy-efficient building design. The company is also heavily invested in developing lower embodied carbon( LEC) products, incorporating recycled content in both steel and foam to minimise their overall carbon emissions.
Van Helm addressed a common misconception by clarifying the diverse range of insulation materials utilised by Kingspan. Employing a‘ best fit for purpose’ approach, the company leverages various materials, including polyisocyanurate( PIR), mineral wool selecting the optimal
solution based on specific performance requirements. This comprehensive approach ensures that Kingspan can cater to a wide spectrum of building needs while prioritising thermal efficiency.
The imperative for Kingspan ' s focus on low carbon and energy-efficient solutions is underscored by the fact that buildings account for a substantial 37 % of all carbon emissions, primarily stemming from heating and cooling. Kingspan ' s integrated approach, combining high-performance insulation with airtightness solutions, directly addresses this challenge by minimising the energy required for climate control, thereby significantly reducing carbon emissions.
Within its panel division, Kingspan offers a comprehensive range of solutions, from standard insulated panels widely used in commercial and industrial buildings to increasingly popular façade systems in Europe. In the African market, cold store solutions are a significant focus, utilising Kingspan ' s proprietary QuadCore technology under the Isocab brand. This self-blended foam offers high levels of fire performance and high thermal performance compared to standard PIR, while also providing logistical advantages through thinner panel profiles and reduced screw requirements. These panels find critical application in industrial buildings, warehouses, logistics facilities, data centres and the vital cold storage sector.
Grove summarised:“ By continuously striving for improvement, embracing sustainable practices, and offering a comprehensive range of high-performance solutions, Kingspan is actively shaping a more energy-efficient and environmentally responsible built environment for the future.” CLA
Employing a‘ best fit for purpose’ approach, the company leverages various materials, including polyisocyanurate( PIR), mineral wool selecting the optimal solution based on specific performance requirements.
The audience.
COLD LINK AFRICA • July / August 2025 www. coldlinkafrica. co. za
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