This material is part of the free Environmental Performance in Construction (EPiC) Database. The EPiC Database contains embodied environmental flow coefficients for 250+ construction materials using a comprehensive hybrid life cycle inventory approach.
Cellulose is an organic compound that constitutes the primary cell wall of green plants and is the most abundant polymer on Earth. Cellulose insulation has good thermal insulation properties (heat conductivity = 0.04 W/(m·K)). It also acts as sound insulation.
Cellulose insulation is made from recycled newspaper (75-85%) and from natural fire retardants and anti-fungal agents such as boric acid (15-25%). Newspapers are shredded and mixed with boric acid before being turned into small fibres. These are packaged for installation on site.
Cellulose insulation is mostly used in roofs and walls and is typically blown.