The Insulation division of PU foams specialist Recticel (Brussels / Belgium; www.recticel.com) has acquired a 50% stake in Slovenian vacuum insulation panels (VIP) specialist Turvac (Šoštanj), an affiliate of privately-owned white goods components manufacturer Turna (Šoštanj / Slovenia; www.turna.si). Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

The joint venture will focus on selling its VIPs to household appliances manufacturers, with Recticel Insulation helping to commercialise the panels for niche applications in the construction market. VIPs consist of a high barrier membrane, which is made up of a foil bag that has been filled with fumed silica or glass fibre and subsequently vacuumed and sealed. The panels are said to have an aged thermal conductivity of 0,007 W/mK, which the companies claim is three times better than that of PIR insulation boards.

The combination of VIPs and PIR insulation boards is said to provide optimal insulation solutions for more demanding building applications, Recticel said. The Belgian group added that the decision to enter into the jv will enhance its existing product portfolio.

Recticel is currently raising production capacity at its insulation plant in Wevelgem / Belgium (see Plasteurope.com of 15.12.2015). The company is home to about 7,600 employees, who posted sales of more than EUR 1.3 bn last year.