Gypsum industry news

India: Knauf India has launched its new DewBloc moisture-resistant gypsum wallboard. The product features a novel additive formulation against moisture absorption and infiltration.

CEO Sumit Bidani said "Designed to combine strength, durability and aesthetic appeal, DewBloc addresses a critical industry challenge - moisture damage in interiors. It is especially well-suited for wet area applications and offers reliable performance during the monsoon season."

India: Coromandel International has approved an equity infusion of up to US$7.68m in its wholly owned subsidiary Coromandel Chemicals to explore joint venture opportunities for the production of gypsum-based building materials. Capital Market News has reported that the move forms part of the company's long-term diversification strategy.

Spain: Knauf has expanded its Cradle to Cradle (C2C) Silver certification to ‘nearly all’ gypsum wallboard and metal profiles produced at its Escúzar and Guixers gypsum wallboard plants. The C2C certification evaluates product sustainability across five categories: material safety, circularity, emissions, water and soil management and social equity. Interempresas – Construcción News has reported that it requires renewal every two years.

Marketing and Technical Director Pablo Maroto called for a transition from linear to circular building products.

US: The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has launched the Waste Reduction Innovation Grant (WRIG) initiative. The initiative will provide funding between US$50,000 and US$100,000 for up to 10 recycling projects and between US$500,000 and US$2m for up to four further projects. Gypsum wallboard is among the recyclables eligible for funding, along with other building materials like bitumen felt shingles and wood.

Construction & Demolition Recycling News has reported that the WRIG initiative supports Massachusetts’ Solid Waste Master Plan to reduce landfill by 30% by 2030 and by 90% by 2050.

Spain: Wallboard liner manufacturer Alier has won €9.6m in European Regional Development Fund funding for an upcoming recycled paper plant in the Lopez Soriano Recycling Technology Park in Zaragoza. Spanish Collection News has reported that the plant forms part of the Gypsum Board 5.0 circular wallboard project. Alier expects to invest €40m in the project altogether.