Saint-Gobain opens eco-friendly insulation plant in Finland

HELSINKI - Saint-Gobain, a global leader in sustainable construction, has inaugurated its latest glass wool insulation plant in Forssa, Finland, which is touted as the company’s most environmentally friendly facility to date. The plant has been equipped with new technology that enables it to operate exclusively on decarbonized energy sources.

The Forssa facility’s energy needs are now met through a combination of biogas and hydroelectric power, with biogas accounting for half of the energy consumption. This shift to renewable energy is expected to prevent the release of approximately 1,500 tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually. The biogas used by the plant is supplied both by pipeline from a local producer and by three newly installed pressurized biogas tanks.

According to Saint-Gobain, the products manufactured at the plant will have their carbon footprint reduced by 30% to 40% over their entire lifecycle compared to similar products made with traditional energy mixes. This significant reduction is a step forward in the company’s goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

The company’s commitment to sustainability is further emphasized by its use of up to 80% recycled glass in its glass wool production, making it the largest user of recycled glass in Finland. This practice aligns with the company’s strategy to offer solutions that not only enhance occupant comfort but also contribute to the reduction of the carbon footprint in the building sector.

The modernization of the Forssa plant demonstrates Saint-Gobain’s ongoing efforts to invest in efficient, low-carbon transformation and operational optimization. The improvements at the plant also reinforce the Group’s position in the Finnish market, where there is a strong demand for efficient and sustainable construction solutions.

Saint-Gobain, which is celebrating its 360th anniversary in 2025, reported €46.6 billion in sales in 2024 and employs more than 161,000 people across 80 countries. The company continues to focus on providing integrated solutions for construction and industry that prioritize sustainability and performance.

This press release statement indicates that further details on the environmental impact of the products from the Forssa plant will be disclosed in third-party verified Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), expected to be published after production begins.

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