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BASF’s Neopor meets key industry requirements for rigid thermal insulation

Words: Jessica RobinsonBASF announced that the Neopor® 5300 insulation material (EPS, expandable polystyrene) has met the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) C578 Type I, II, VII and IX requirements for Rigid Thermal Insulation. This performance capability is recognized in the International Code Council Evaluation Service (ICC-ES) Report #2784. Neopor contains special graphite particles that reflect heat radiation like a mirror, therefore reducing heat loss in a building. Neopor is specified by experts for use as above- and below grade continuous exterior insulation and as thermal insulation in other building products used in walls, floors and roofs.

ICC-ES thoroughly examined BASF’s product information, test reports, calculations, quality control methods and other factors to ensure that the Neopor insulation product is code-compliant. Building officials, architects, contractors, specifiers, designers and others rely on ICC-ES Evaluation Reports to provide a basis for using or approving products, including those made with Neopor rigid thermal insulation, in construction projects under the International Building Code.

“We are very excited about Type I certification for our new product and the recognition from ICC-ES. This offers our customers the opportunity to take full advantage of the unique performance and sustainability aspects of Neopor, which is particularly important in light of the additional insulation requirements of the 2012 International Building Code,” said Grace Showalter, Business Manager for EPS Foam, BASF North America.

Neopor rigid thermal insulation economically meets insulation code requirements at industry standard thicknesses, thus demonstrating eco-efficiency, durability, vapor permeability and low water absorption. Using low density Neopor insulation (Type I) manufactured from Neopor 5300 enables the final building product to be more sustainable. Compared to other rigid insulation boards, Neopor uses less material to achieve the same R-value. For a given R-value, Neopor can be made thinner than white EPS and less dense than XPS. For example, a 2,200 sq. ft. house using Neopor Type I continuous insulation in place of 15 psi XPS can save up to 32 lbs. of insulation.

Neopor rigid thermal insulation is also recognized in ICC-ES Evaluation Service Report (ESR) #3463. “Our Neopor Brand Marketing Program integrates BASF quality requirements and 3rd party recognition of performance with an ingredient brand concept. The new ICC-ES recognition of Neopor’s performance has further strengthened the brand,” remarked Aaron Wood, Marketing & Innovation Manager, BASF North America.

Through the Neopor Brand Marketing Program, Neopor insulation products can be accessed via a national network of authorized, qualified and certified Neopor manufacturers. To find out more about products made of Neopor, please visit: www.neopor.basf.us/where-to-buy or write to BASF at www.neopor.basf.us.

Neopor® is a registered trademark of BASF SE.
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