Ecophon launches new range with a lower carbon footprint
Press release 2023-12-14
In close collaboration with Saint-Gobain Isover, Ecophon is setting a new industry benchmark for sustainability, introducing its first wave of low-carbon products with an average reduction of -35% in footprint1. Through innovation and the integration of biogas into manufacturing, a new range of class A absorbers with both high functional properties and low emissions has been developed to move towards Ecophon’s goal of being the first net-zero acoustic solution manufacturer.
Ecophon has developed acoustic panels that are equal in performance and have lower carbon emissions. By using biogas in the production process at Isover Forssa in Finland, the carbon footprint of the new panels is reduced by -35% on average. Ecophon is already using a minimum of 70% recycled glass from waste materials in the sound-absorbing core of their products. With this new low-carbon offer, the environmental performance expands from the use of responsible raw materials to improved environmental performance in production. As a result, the Ecophon Focus™ A panel reaches a carbon footprint of only 1.52 kgCO2eq./m2 over the complete product life cycle (LCA stages A1 to C4).
“We are actively working on our sustainability roadmap to meet our Net Zero targets by 2050 and believe that the market needs to see progress as of today. Innovation is the main driver for change, and our continued focus and know-how in R&D is turning into a fantastic opportunity to transform our products and operations, limiting their footprint. We are proud to be able to offer revolutionary low-carbon products to the market,” says Laura Seitovirta, Marketing Director, Ecophon.
The building sector accounts for about 40% of global CO2 emissions, and the choice of materials plays a significant role in the overall lifecycle impact of a building3. Reflecting the need to reduce the footprint of the building sector in the global fight against climate change, the introduction of a low carbon offer will enable Ecophon customers to conduct lower emission projects with a third-party certified performance through Environmental Product Declarations and conduct building life cycle analyses.
This initiative is an example of Ecophon’s commitment to reaching carbon neutrality by 2050 and an important step in moving closer to its goal of reducing scope 3 by 16% by 20304. Ecophon’s production is already running mainly on renewable energy today, with a 60% reduction in scope 1 and 2 emissions achieved in 2022.5
The range will be available in the Nordic region from 15th December 2023 and will expand to other Ecophon markets during 2024. The low carbon products available are Ecophon best-sellers: Ecophon Master™ CarbonLow in edges A, B, E, SQ and Ecophon Focus™ CarbonLow in A and E. Ecophon can hereon provide a more sustainable, sound effect on people.
1 Compared to standard Ecophon glass wool products. Average reduction for 6 low-carbon products, comparing EPD indicators in accordance with EN 15804+A1.
2 GWP-TOT, life-cycle stages A1 to C4, in accordance with EN 15804+A2.
3 UN press release
4 Compared to 2017 5 Compared to 2017
5 Compared to 2017