Insulation materials from grass fibre

A German company has developed an innovative grass fibre blow-in insulation material for wall, roof and floor cavities, made of 100% renewable natural cellulose from meadow grass. The goal is to substitute conventional insulation material based on crude oil and to use raw materials as efficiently as possible.

The grass is grown by local farmers and has the potential to be sold internationally.

Farmers benefit of increasing profits from the sale of meadow grass as the processing company offers longterm contracts for the biomass suppliers. With growing demand of the grass fibre and other grass-based products, grass prices may rise and provide a secure income for farmers. Grass is easy to cultivate, with low input of labour, machines, and fertiliser and allowing several harvests per year. The cultivation of grass will not lead to a depletion of soils, as biomass residues from the production process are returned to the field as fertiliser.

The grass fibre can be fully recycled without generating waste products or waste water. The necessary energy and heat are provided by the affiliated biogas plant, which works with the by-products and residues of the biomass.

The water required for the separation of the grass fibres is reconditioned and reused in the process.