Knauf Insulation plans to build Austria’s first mineral wool recycling plant at its Ferndorf site in Carinthia. This innovative facility will be able to recycle both glass wool and rock wool – a significant step forward for the circular economy in the Austrian construction industry. For the first time, it will be possible to process all types of mineral wool, including those from demolition and renovation projects, regardless of the manufacturer, and return them to the production cycle.
30 million euros for innovation and sustainable jobs
Knauf Insulation is investing around 30 million euros in this forward-looking project, which not only strengthens the circular economy but also creates new, sustainable jobs. “With this plant, Austria is taking on a pioneering role in the recycling of glass and rock wool insulation materials,” explains Udo Klamminger, Managing Director of Knauf Insulation Austria.
The Ferndorf site benefits from its many years of experience in insulation production and its excellent infrastructure, including its own rail connection. Insulation and acoustic panels made of wood wool have been produced here since 1924, and until 2009, Ferndorf was an important production site for rock wool. The Knauf Group currently employs over 120 people in Ferndorf. The new recycling plant will create further future-proof jobs.
Construction work on the recycling plant is set to begin shortly, with commissioning planned for the end of 2026. Preparations are already in full swing, as project manager Joachim Wieltschnig, Sustainability Manager Central Europe, emphasizes: “We are creating a solution here that makes ecological sense and is economically relevant – especially in view of the landfill ban on mineral wool that will apply in Austria from January 1, 2027.”
Circular economy at the heart of corporate strategy
Knauf Insulation has been committed to recycling and sustainability for many years. Today, the company’s glass wool products already consist of up to 80% recycled materials such as waste glass. The planned facility in Ferndorf complements the existing RESULATION take-back system, which enables customers to easily return insulation waste directly from the construction site. Via the web shop mineralwolle-recycling.com, which was set up in cooperation with ABCO Abfallconsulting, construction site waste can be collected by type and either taken to collection points or picked up directly. In the future, this material will be processed and reused in Austria.
Contributing to climate change
The building sector plays a key role in climate protection. Efficient insulation, especially when renovating buildings, can significantly reduce CO2 emissions. Glass wool and rock wool are indispensable materials in this regard. Knauf Insulation is continuously working to improve the ecological and economic sustainability of its products.
Despite the CO2 emissions generated during production, packaging, and transport, the CO2 balance of Knauf Insulation mineral wool is already positive after 95 days thanks to its excellent insulation performance. With its planned recycling plant, the company offers a forward-looking solution to the landfill ban in Austria from 2027.
Knauf Insulation is thus making an important contribution to the implementation of the Austrian government’s climate targets. By promoting recycling and conserving valuable resources, the company is sending a strong signal for sustainability and the circular economy.
[Source: Knauf Insulation: https://knauf.com/de-AT/knaufinsulation]