Absorbing premium construction market demand with outstanding durability
PF board draws attention for combining eco-friendliness with semi-noncombustibility
As interest in energy efficiency grows across the construction and industrial sectors, the insulation materials market is expanding rapidly. According to global market research firm Technavio this past August, the global insulation materials market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.6% through 2028, reaching approximately USD 24.3 billion. In particular, as the trend toward improving building energy efficiency and favoring eco-friendly building materials continues, the importance of environmentally friendly insulation is expected to become even more pronounced.
Regulatory changes such as the quality certification system for fire-safe building materials are also playing a key role in driving up demand for insulation. Because insulation used in buildings must meet semi-noncombustible performance standards that make it resistant to burning, PF (phenolic foam) board—which offers both eco-friendliness and semi-noncombustibility—is attracting attention. PF board is a high-performance insulation material that delivers excellent insulation despite its thin profile, and its eco-friendly credentials are earning it recognition in high-rise and non-residential buildings as well.
Amid this growing industry interest in PF board, the PF board from ‘Hugreen,’ the eco-friendly building materials brand of Kumho Petrochemical, is drawing attention for its differentiated technology and its potential for use in green building projects.
Recognizing the need for zero-energy buildings, Hugreen obtained low-carbon certification this past July so that Hugreen PF board can be used in green building projects. Because the use of low-carbon building materials in residential and non-residential housing can earn bonus points under the green building certification system, demand for Hugreen PF board in green building projects is expected to rise.
Hugreen has also obtained the highest ‘Best’ grade of the HB Mark, a certification for eco-friendly building materials, as well as Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) certification. The HB Mark, awarded by the Korea Air Cleaning Association, measures the emission intensity of organic compounds in building materials produced at home and abroad and assigns one of three graded ratings: Good, Excellent, or Best. By strictly controlling the emission of various organic compounds during the manufacturing process, Hugreen PF board achieved the ‘Best’ grade, the highest rating of the HB Mark.
As a premium insulation material, Hugreen PF board also boasts outstanding durability. It passed the semi-noncombustible performance test revised in February 2022, demonstrating fire stability and an effect that slows the spread of fire. In addition, because it contains no halogen components, it produces little toxic gas even when burned.
Its insulation performance is also excellent. Its thermal conductivity is the highest level among insulation materials (0.020 W/m·K), while its thickness has been minimized for convenient installation. It boasts a thickness roughly 48% thinner than Grade ‘Na’ insulation.
Heo Kwon-wook, head of Kumho Petrochemical’s building materials business division, said, “PF board is one of the insulation materials seeing rising demand thanks to its semi-noncombustibility and insulation performance,” adding, “Hugreen PF board offers relatively high durability, so demand is growing in the premium construction market.”
Meanwhile, Hugreen is a portmanteau of Humanism and Green, representing Kumho Petrochemical’s eco-friendly building materials brand that considers both people and the environment. Placing the utmost value on respect for humanity and building on a brand philosophy of living in harmony with nature, Hugreen strives to realize a beautiful and comfortable residential culture. More detailed information can be found on Kumho Petrochemical’s official Hugreen website (www.hugreen.kr).