The History and Evolution of PAVATEX

Since its founding in 1932, PAVATEX has steadily developed from a small Swiss manufacturer into a global leader in sustainable insulation solutions.

It began in Cham, Switzerland, concentrating on the production of woodfibre insulation systems. By 1949, the company expanded with a second facility in Fribourg, marking its early growth.

Over the decades, PAVATEX enhanced its woodfibre processing, establishing itself as a pioneer in eco-friendly insulation.

In 2013, the company inaugurated a new factory in Golbey, France, and collaborated with ANDRITZ for fibre production technology.

Today, with facilities in Switzerland and France, and approximately 220 staff members, PAVATEX continues to innovate. Its focus remains on environmentally friendly buildings, contributing to the creation of healthier, more sustainable living spaces across the globe.

Core Products and Material Innovations

PAVATEX's core products are crafted from eco-friendly materials such as waste wood shavings, providing sustainable insulation solutions.

The company employs advanced manufacturing techniques to produce versatile wood fibre boards suitable for thermal, acoustic, and moisture control.

These innovations cater to a wide range of applications, from new builds to renovations, emphasising both performance and environmental responsibility.

Eco-Friendly Material Selection

Choosing eco-friendly materials for insulation involves prioritising renewable, natural, and recyclable resources.

PAVATEX products are made from over 95% natural materials, primarily derived from waste sawmill wood shavings, which avoids the need to fell new trees. The wood fibres come from pine trees harvested responsibly from local, sustainable forests, supporting a circular economy by upcycling waste wood such as shavings and sawdust. This sustainable sourcing reduces deforestation and promotes responsible forest management. This process reduces environmental impact and lowers transportation emissions. PAVATEX insulation boards store more carbon dioxide than is emitted during production, aiding in the fight against climate change.

Their manufacturing uses renewable energy, and waste generated is recycled or converted into renewable energy. Fully recyclable and compostable at the end of their life, PAVATEX products promote sustainability from raw material to disposal, ensuring they contribute to a cleaner, greener future.

Advanced Manufacturing Techniques

Advanced manufacturing techniques play a key role in producing high-quality, sustainable insulation boards.

PAVATEX boards are crafted by pulping waste wood fibres mixed with water, where natural lignin acts as a bio-binder. The pulp is pressed into boards, dried, and cut to size following a steam treatment at around 90°C, which strengthens the fibres and enhances durability. The drying process occurs at 180°C, then passes through a cyclone at about 80°C to ensure proper moisture reduction. Modern technology, such as electrostatic filters and energy recovery systems, helps to control air quality and reduce energy consumption. By collaborating with nearby paper mills, excess steam is recycled to conserve energy.

These innovations result in boards with high density and excellent thermal capacity, surpassing many traditional materials. The manufacturing process ensures that products are sustainable, moisture-regulating, and suitable for environmentally conscious building projects in the UK.

Versatile Insulation Applications

The core products of PAVATEX are designed to be highly versatile, allowing them to meet the diverse needs of modern building projects in the UK. They are suitable for various applications, including pitched roofs, interior, and exterior walls, whether in new constructions or refurbishments. Their thermal properties help buildings achieve Passive House standards. These products are both airtight and breathable, effectively managing moisture. The table below highlights their key features:

This versatility fosters a strong sense of belonging through durable, sustainable, and healthy building environments.

Environmental Benefits and Sustainability Commitments

PAVATEX demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability by producing insulation from upcycled wood chips, which reduces the need to fell new trees.

Their production process involves heating and pressing these wood chips into rigid boards, using energy efficiently to minimise carbon emissions.

All waste generated during manufacturing is recycled or repurposed as renewable energy, supporting a circular economy.

The wood used in PAVATEX products absorbs carbon dioxide during its growth, making the insulation a natural carbon sink that helps combat climate change.

Nearly all materials are natural and sourced from sustainable forestry practices, ensuring responsible resource use.

Additionally, these eco-friendly products can be recycled or composted at the end of their life, reducing waste and supporting environmentally conscious building in the UK.

Technical Performance and Building Compatibility

PAVATEX insulation products are engineered to perform effectively across a diverse range of building types and construction methods. Their thermal performance varies with product thickness, providing thermal conductivities between 0.036 and 0.044 W/mK, and resistance values from 0.65 to 4.85 m²K/W.

The high specific heat storage of approximately 2100 J/(kg·K) assists in regulating indoor temperatures and enhancing energy efficiency. The material’s natural breathability allows moisture to pass through, preventing mould and maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

PAVATEX products also excel in noise reduction, delivering superior acoustic comfort. Their compatibility with various building components, adherence to European standards, and suitability for sustainable construction make them a versatile choice for numerous projects.

• Compatible with a wide range of building types
• Appropriate for retrofitting as well as new builds
• Works seamlessly with airtight membranes and sealing systems
• Suitable for walls, roofs, floors, and partitions
• Supports sustainable, natural building practices

Applications in Construction and Renovation

Construction and renovation projects in the UK utilise a range of insulation solutions to enhance energy efficiency, safety, and comfort. Breathable, hygroscopic, and capillary-active insulation allows for the evaporation of water vapor and droplets, which helps prevent moisture trapping and mould growth within building assemblies. PAVATEX offers products specifically designed for various roof applications, such as over-rafter insulation that protects against extreme temperatures, noise, and fire hazards. Inter-rafter insulation (PAVAFLEX) improves thermal performance in timber frameworks, while ISOLAIR sarking boards act as watertight layers for roof structures. Room-side insulation with PAVATHERM PROFIL or COMBI helps create airtight roofs. During refurbishments, interior retrofitting allows for upgrades without the need to change roof coverings, and exterior options like ISOLAIR MULTI provide insulation support during ongoing loft renovations. These solutions also encompass temporary roofing that can withstand weather conditions for months and vapour-permeable boards to prevent condensation, ensuring that every building remains safe, energy-efficient, and comfortable.

Quality Assurance and Manufacturing Excellence

To ensure high standards in manufacturing, stringent quality assurance and control measures are implemented throughout the production process. PAVATEX guarantees consistent quality through rigorous sourcing of raw materials, relying on natural, low-emission wood that meets sustainability standards.

Their wet-process manufacturing in Swiss facilities places a strong emphasis on uniform board density, fire resistance, and environmental impact, all validated by third-party certifications such as IBU. The company's fire safety protocols ensure REI 90 certification, with testing procedures confirming fire resistance and the production of non-toxic smoke.

Furthermore, energy performance is documented through comprehensive life cycle assessments in accordance with ISO standards. These measures, coupled with stringent traceability and waste management practices, foster a manufacturing process that prioritises safety, sustainability, and quality, instilling a sense of trust and belonging among clients in the UK seeking reliable, eco-conscious insulation solutions.

• Stringent raw material standards
• Sustainability-backed practices
• Certified fire resistance
• Life cycle assessment compliance
• Continuous quality monitoring

Collaborations and Industry Partnerships

Several strategic collaborations and industry partnerships play a key role in advancing Pavatex’s objectives to develop innovative, eco-friendly insulation products.

The partnership with Groupe Berkem focuses on creating bio-based, anti-fungal solutions and enhancing insulation performance using eco-responsible chemicals.

Through its integration into the SOPREMA Group, Pavatex gains access to greater industrial and commercial resources, thereby strengthening its position in the market.

Collaborations with ANDRITZ provide advanced technical solutions, boosting production efficiency and capacity, particularly with new biosourced fibre lines.

These partnerships enable Pavatex to expand its natural insulation offerings, meet the growing market demand for sustainable products, and push the boundaries of eco-friendly construction materials. Groupe Berkem’s expertise in plant-based chemistry also supports the development of more sustainable building solutions.

Future Developments and Research Focus

Pavatex's future developments are centred on enhancing sustainability and expanding product options. The company is actively researching ways to improve production processes using local forestry materials, thereby supporting a circular economy. Eco-sourced materials contribute significantly to its supply chain, aligning with its commitment to sustainability. They're also developing new eco-friendly products, such as PAVATEXTIL, made from recycled textiles. Technological advancements, including advanced production lines from companies like ANDRITZ, aim to increase efficiency and capacity. Market expansion remains a focus, with partnerships such as Unity Lime helping to broaden availability. Construction solutions are being refined to serve both new and retrofit buildings, ensuring better thermal, moisture, and soundproofing performance. - Utilising local resources to reduce environmental impact - Launching innovative recycled textile insulation products - Upgrading production technology for increased efficiency - Expanding global distribution networks - Developing versatile building solutions

Conclusion

PAVATEX has a long history of innovation in building insulation, combining quality materials with a focus on sustainability. Its products are compatible with modern construction needs, offering excellent technical performance while reducing environmental impact. The company’s ongoing research and strong industry partnerships guarantee continuous improvement. With a commitment to quality and eco-friendly practices, PAVATEX remains a reliable choice for sustainable building solutions, effectively addressing both current and future construction challenges in the UK.