The history of insulation – then and now

However, using mineral wool involved a negative factor: the material was not hygroscopic. This meant it lacked the ability to absorb and release moisture.

Plastic film and diffusion barriers were introduced to keep moisture away from the mineral wool, but the consequence was instead that moisture built up inside the walls. In many cases, this was the reason for the growing number of houses with mildew problems in the 70’s and 80’s.

iCell – The history of insulation Proven natural materials were used again. Cellulose loose fill is an example of insulating material, which was developed over a number of years. It is natural, easily manageable, and user-friendly, in other words, a major plus for the work environment. In the US and Canada, there were examples of the use of cellulose wool in the 1920’s. There are documented examples of how insulation from that time works perfectly even today. In the 1980’s, cellulose loose fill was launched for the first time in Sweden. Today, cellulose insulation makes up approximately 10% of the total market, with annual growth of approximately 10-15%.