There seem to be as many insulation types as there are ways to insulate. Most of these types include blanket and batt, rigid fiber, closed and open cell spray foam, rigid foam, loose - fill and blown - in cellulose, and spray foam. Whew. The ideal type of insulation depends on a number of different factors. Some of these factors consist of climate, budget, insulating value, recycled content, and embodied energy used to manufacture. One variety of insulation that has recently come to our attention is BiofoamPearls by Termokomfort.
BiofoamPearls is the first organic biodegradable foam. It has similar properties to a rigid foam type called Expanded Polystyrene (EPS). Like EPS, BiofoamPearls have long term insulating value and won't support mold or mildew growth. It is also suitable for both new construction and renovation applications in floors, wall cavities, and roofs. However, what makes this product unique is that it's made by composting organic waste. The pearls' ability to be heated and expanded produce a material that is 100% biodegradable. This biodegradability allows for the reduced fossil fuel (embodied energy) to manufacture, resulting in carbon dioxide emission levels 40% lower than other comparable petroleum based insulation.
Currently, this innovative product is manufactured in Amsterdam, Netherlands. We've contacted them and are waiting to hear back on its availability here in the United States. However, we do not expect to hear back from them today as it's a mere few hours until the Netherlands battle Argentina in the chance to advance to the World Cup final.