Glass wool is one of the most important insulating materials in modern construction. In Switzerland, it is used in both new builds and energy-efficient renovations. The insulating material impresses with its excellent thermal and sound insulation values, low weight and ease of processing.

But what exactly is glass wool made of and where do the raw materials used to produce it come from?

A look at the composition shows: Glass wool is mainly based on mineral raw materials and a high proportion of recycled materials. This combination makes the insulating material particularly efficient and sustainable at the same time.

The composition of glass wool

As the name suggests, glass wool consists mainly of fine glass fibres. These are produced from a mixture of mineral raw materials that are melted down at very high temperatures and then spun into fibres.

Typical components are

• Quartz sand (SiO₂): The most important raw material for glass wool. It provides the glass-like structure and forms the basis of the fibres.
• Limestone and dolomite: These minerals stabilise the glass structure and improve the chemical resistance of the material.
• Soda (sodium carbonate): Soda lowers the melting point of the raw material mixture and thus reduces the energy requirement in the manufacturing process.
• Waste glass (recycled glass): In modern production processes, the proportion of recycled glass can be up to 80 % of the total mass. This reduces the use of new raw materials and saves energy at the same time.

The raw materials are first processed into a homogeneous melt. This mass is then spun into extremely fine fibres in a special process. These fibres form the basis of the subsequent insulating materials.

In the next step, the fibres are stabilised with a binding agent and formed into mats, rolls or boards. Subsequent curing in the oven produces a dimensionally stable insulating material with outstanding physical building properties.

 Origin of the materials in Switzerland

In Switzerland, the sustainable procurement of raw materials plays a central role. Many of the materials required for glass wool come from regional sources or from European supply chains.

• Quartz sand: Quartz sand is partly mined in Switzerland, for example in the Central Plateau or the Jura. If the required quantities are not available locally, they are sourced from neighbouring countries such as Germany or France.
• Limestone and dolomite: These raw materials often come from Swiss quarries, including regions in the canton of Aargau or Graubünden.
• Soda ash: Soda ash is mainly imported from European production sites, as industrial production in Switzerland is limited.
• Used glass: A large proportion of the Recycled glass comes from flat glass production or from industrial glass recycling processes. The high proportion of recycled material reduces both energy consumption and the carbon footprint of glass wool production.

Sustainability through recycling and mineral raw materials

The combination of natural minerals and recycled glass makes glass wool a particularly sustainable insulating material. Both raw materials and energy can be saved by using recycled glass.

At the same time, glass wool offers decisive advantages for energy-efficient construction:

• Very good thermal insulation
• Effective sound insulation
• Low weight
• Long service life

These properties help to reduce the energy consumption of buildings in the long term and thus make an important contribution to climate protection.

Conclusion

Glass wool is far more than just an insulating material. It combines mineral raw materials, modern production technology and recycled materials to create a high-performance and sustainable solution for construction. The combination of natural materials, a high proportion of recycled glass and excellent insulation values makes glass wool a sustainable choice for new buildings and renovations. Those who rely on energy-efficient and sustainable insulation materials create the basis for long-lasting buildings and a pleasant indoor climate.

Would you like to find out more about our glass wool insulation materials or do you need help planning your project? Contact our specialist advisors for a non-binding consultation.