Good insulation makes your house feel much more comfortable, is better for the environment, and, most importantly on Cut Your Energy Costs Day, it can save you money. Today, we show you some surprising insulation materials that can help you do so, and in a sustainable fashion!
Ceramics
When you think about ceramics, you probably think about tiles or perhaps the cup that holds your coffee. However, ceramic fibres make for a great insulating material!
Glass
Like ceramic fibres, glass fibres also provide good insulation. However, not only woven glass fibres insulate well. Foamed glass is also an option! Glass is a sustainable material that can easily be recycled.
Old clothes
Fast fashion is an unsustainable practice that leaves a lot of waste fabric material. Instead of burning it, the shredded fibres of waste clothes can be used to make insulation material!
Polar bears
Have you ever seen a polar bear that was cold? These bears, living in extremely cold climate, have a great insulation layer! Designer Lindey Cafsia developed an insulation material called Plyskin that mimics the skin and fur of a polar bear. The outer layer of the material, made from recyclable polyamide, looks and feels like fur, with ‘hairs’ that capture stationary air. The under layer is black, like polar bear skin, which absorbs the heat.
Hemp
Hemp is a type of wonder material that doesn’t have many peers. As a plant, it grows very fast, needing much less soil and water than other plants. Its fibres are very strong and can be used for a variety of objective, amongst which, you’ve guessed it, insulation material!
Mushroom materials
Mycelium, much like hemp, is a very versatile material that no doubt will be used in increasing amounts in the future. Mycelium is not only suitable as packaging material, as building material, or to make dresses, it can also be used to insulate!
Natural wool
When you’re cold, you put on a sweater, so why not do the same with your house? Wool is a natural insulation material even when it’s damp, keeping sheep warm in the rain, but also protecting them against overheating!
Seaweed
The seaweed plant Posidonia oceanic, better known as Neptune balls, is a type of seaweed that is found in huge quantities on the shores of the Mediterranean. Usually considered a waste product, the material is actually an excellent insulator that is naturally fire resistant!
What will you use to insulate your house or next project? Check all insulating materials in our collection here!