Innovation is at the heart of Actis’ sustainable insulation products and membranes, and has been developing insulation products since its inception, as a pioneer of multifoils, in 1980. The revolutionary Hybrid range transformed the insulation sector when it was launched just over a decade ago, and Actis added a unique two-in-one reflective insulation with integrated vapour barrier, Eolis HC, to its offering in 2023.
The revolutionary Triplex technology at the core of Eolis HC is created from several layers of reflective films, each separated by a thin layer of fibre, trapping air between each section, thus boosting thermal performance. The design, which enables builders to reduce the number of steps required to achieve an impressive U-value, means installation is twice as quick as traditional alternatives. As well as keeping warmth in, Eolis HC can keep homes cool in the summer, with its films reflecting95% of infrared radiation.
A new campaign
Actis’ Inspired by Nature campaign, launched earlier this year, illustrates how the insulation specialist takes its
inspiration from the natural world when creating the new technologies used in its products. The bee and beehive imagery used in the visuals underline how it was the structure of the honeycomb which inspired the unique design of both Hybris, the flagship product in the Hybrid range, and Eolis HC. The airgaps in the design trap air to boost thermal performance and mean less material needs to be used to ensure maximum thermal efficiency.
The natural imagery also reflects how Actis products are good for the planet and make life more comfortable for installers and homeowners. So eco-friendly are its products that Hybris has been recognised as Europe’s only Cradle to Cradle Certified® reflective insulation. The certification means it meets stringent sustainability criteria, and is recognised for its product circularity, material health, clean air and climate protection, water and soil stewardship and social fairness.
Their design means they offer better thermal efficiency than thicker, traditional alternatives, and the fact that they are thin, and light means more U-value can be carried per lorryload, reducing fuel consumption during transportation.
Both products produce no dust or fibres and are guaranteed non-irritant, making installation much more comfortable as there is no need for respiratory protection. Rated A+ for their environmental impact, they also have a BREEAM exemplary level of VOC release for indoor air quality and contain no harmful chemicals. Both are made from recycled and100% recyclable materials and are energy, water and resource efficient.
Understanding sustainability credentials
Actis has created a 160-page document outlining details of the sustainability credentials of its products and manufacturing processes to highlight the steps it is taking to reduce the industry’s impact on the environment. The PDF brochure, which has been created by Actis’ head office in France, for the French non-residential market, looks in minute detail at each environmentally friendly element of the production and environmental benefits of its honeycomb-structured Hybris insulation.
The company is using its ‘doing more with less’ policy to lead the way in minimising the negative impact of construction materials manufactured across the continent and is encouraging other companies in the construction industry to join them. The brochure examines Actis’ zero-waste policy, which sees all off-cuts recovered, crushed and reintroduced into the manufacturing process and the 100% recyclability of all its products. It explains how minimal water is used during its production and how the lightness and compactness of the air-filled insulation mean more thermal capacity can be carried per lorryload than traditional solid insulation or fibreglass.
These pluses are in addition to the ability of its products not only to keep warmth in during cold weather, but also to reflect heat during the summer, eliminating the need for air conditioning. In addition to the eco-credentials of its own products and processes, Actis is on a mission to help specifiers, architects and builders reduce their environmental footprint in line with the forthcoming Future Homes Standard, in part via its two RIBA-approved CPD modules.
‘Tomorrow’s Insulation Solutions for Future Homes Standards’ and ‘Addressing the Performance Gap with Reflective Insulation’ give guidance on how to meet energy efficiency targets and achieve as-built performance. Specifiers in the UK may also be interested in Actis’ ‘doing more with less’ video, which examines its threefold approach to sustainability. The Hybrid range also includes insulating breather membrane and vapour control layers BoostR Hybrid, HControl Hybrid and BoostR Hybrid Roof.
“Although the brochure has been created for the French market,” says Actis UK and Ireland Sales Director Mark Cooper. “The key messages it contains also apply to the UK. These are that we, as an industry, must take action to minimise our negative impact on the environment and that Actis is determined to play its part help achieve this. With the net zero target drawing ever closer, more specifiers are appreciating that our range of sustainably produced insulation solutions offer a quick, clean and easy way to create a thermally efficient building. We are embracing the mantra of ‘doing more with less’ here at Actis.”
