March 2022
It is important to note that it is just the packaging that is changing, not the product, so customers can rest assured knowing they’re still getting the same, trusted Knauf product.
It is not just its product range that Knauf is reviewing. The Company has recently rolled out fourteen new forklift trucks at its Sittingbourne plant bringing improved safety, greater management control and cleaner operation.
Another change being made to the Knauf portfolio to lessen its environmental impact is on the GIFAbond flooring adhesives range. These products are used when installing Knauf GIFA FHB and Hugo floorboards. From January 2022 the product range will be EC1 Plus Emicode certified.
In addition to having the latest safety features the new trucks are powered by Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG). This means they are much cleaner, producing far less particulate pollution than diesel and emitting much lower levels of CO2.
The Emicode certification rates flooring adhesives and installation products into three categories. Knauf has achieved the highest possible rating of EC1 Plus, very low emission, defined as ‘the limit of what is technically feasible today’. To achieve this rating, the products must undergo rigorous testing with limits on VOCs, formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and other hazardous substances which can affect indoor air quality and health. The Knauf EC1 Plus Emicode certified products will be GIFAbond Uno, a joint adhesive foil which is used with an application gun to the tongue and groove edge; GIFAbond Blue, a single layer joint adhesive in an easy to use bottle for hand application, and GIFAbond Duo, a surface adhesive used on two-layer systems.
Knauf is also working with its distribution partners to provide customers with a more environmentally friendly delivery option. One of its key distributors, Nicholls Transport, Winner of the Greenfleet Fleet of the Year award 2020, was among the first operators in the UK to use LNG trucks and has recently been recognised as an IVECO Ambassador for its Green Logistics Operation. These initiatives are part of Knauf’s ongoing sustainability programme and tie in with its ‘people, planet, prosperity’ ethos. Sustainability considerations are becoming more prevalent across the construction industry and Knauf is keen to lead the way in meeting customers’ expectations for environmentally friendly products. For further information visit www.knauf.co.uk
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