Are insulated wall panels environmentally friendly?
Jul 25, 2025
The insulated wall panel is composed of 2 layers of galvanized steel plate (or aluminum plate) and a layer of insulation core material (EPS,PU and rock wool, etc.). Its environmental performance mainly depends on the insulation core material, from the following dimensions for comparative analysis.
Dimensions
EPS
PU(polyurethane)
Rock wool
Raw material and use release
New materials are non-toxic and formaldehyde-free; inferior recycled materials may release VOCs.
No release of high-quality products; TDI or harmful flame retardants are residual in low-quality products.
No chemical release, but may produce dust irritating respiratory tract.
Production and energy consumption
Energy consumption is moderate, and VOCs pollution may occur in the treatment of recycled materials.
Higher energy consumption, more environmentally friendly MDI process
High energy consumption (ore melting needs high temperature), need to control dust
Energy saving and carbon reduction
Thermal insulation medium (thermal conductivity 0.033-0.038W/(m · K))
Optimal thermal insulation (thermal conductivity ≤ 0.024W/(m · K)), energy saving and carbon reduction is the strongest
Weak insulation (thermal conductivity 0.040-0.048W/(m · K))
Combustion and Safety
Flammable, flame retardant may release toxic fumes
Flammable, high quality flame retardant smoke toxicity is low
Non-combustible (Class A1), no toxic smoke
Waste disposal
Refractory degradation, low recycling rate
Difficult to degrade, difficult to recycle
Natural degradation, landfill without chemical pollution
In summary, high-quality PU wall panel energy-saving optimal, suitable for long-term energy-saving needs; high-quality EPS wall panel cost-effective, need to avoid recycling materials; rock wool wall panel fire prevention and waste environmental protection outstanding, but need to control dust. The core of environmental protection is "high-quality product selection"-organic materials to avoid inferior recycling materials, inorganic materials to choose low dust.Different choices can be made according to the different uses of the building.