Spray Foam Sustainability


While most traditional insulation types only provide R-Value, building science shows us that an air seal, like that provided by Icynene, is imperative for total building performance. Protecting against air leakage with Icynene means that homeowners can significantly reduce CO2emissions and save up to 50% in energy costs related to heating and cooling. On average, the energy savings can exceed the installation price within three to four years. Plus, an energy saving air seal will help to keep airborne pollutants, allergens and moisture out, ensuring a healthier and cleaner indoor air environment. Icynene spray foam insulation and air barrier helps with:

  • Better energy efficiency (reduced greenhouse gas emissions)
  • Healthier indoor environments
  • Less excess materials
  • Safer formulas
  • Renewable-based option available

Icynene’s dual performance function of R-Value plus air sealing also means that the amount of building materials required is less and can also shorten construction schedules. Icynene works for the life of the building, eliminating the need for replacement or additional materials and waste.
Sustainability Through Innovation
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are used as blowing agents in many spray foam insulation products. They also may include polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) for fire resistance. However, HFCs have a high global warming potential (GWP) and PBDEs can potentially be toxic to humans as well as the environment.
All Icynene spray foam insulation products are PBDE-free, and several are also HFC-free.
In fact, ICYNENE LD-R-50®, ICYNENE LD-C-50® and ICYNENE MD-R-200™ are 100% water-blown (meaning no synthetic blowing agents are used).

Certain Icynene spray foam formulas have additional environmental benefits:

  • ICYNENE MD-R-200™ is made with up to 12.6% recycled plastic in the resin. This defers the amount of plastic filling up landfills.
  • ICYNENE LD-R-50® contains renewable-based content. It’s made with castor oil rather than petroleum-based polyol. Did you know that for every 2.2 lbs (1kg) of castor oil produced rather than petroleum-based polyol, there’s a 7.7 lbs (3.5kg) reduction in CO2 emitted into the atmosphere?