DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTIES

Fiberglass insulation is made from silica, sand, limestone, boron, product from resin, and cullet.

Fiberglass uses boron to improve flexibility, but this material is a finite recourse.

Partially recycled: only 35% of it is composed of recycled materials (post-industrial recycled glass).

Expensive product from environmental point of view.

In the United States fiberglass insulation is produced with acrylic binder, which is better than phenol-formaldehyde binder.

 PROS

Long life expectancy and durability, low maintenance.

Contains an average of 35% recycled material: 28% post-consumer bottles and 7% post-industrial cullet.

The possibility to be reused or recycled.

 CONS

Erosion caused by sand and limestone mining.

Fiberglass insulation is an irritant and must be installed carefully, using proper protective gear and precautions.

There are few opportunities to recycle fiberglass at the end of its useful life.

In some document is reported that fiberglass may have the "same potential for inducing cancer as asbestos fibers of the same dimensions". Even if that is not proved it should be handled with caution.

Energy required for manufacture process causes air pollution.

High embodied energy, more than 15 times cellulose insulation.

Workers have to be protected and installation process has to be under control.

Much more expensive than mineral wool.