Installation scene of semi-noncombustible urethane insulation material 'Safefoam'. Photo by Kyungdongwon
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jong-hwa] Kyungdongwon, an industrial insulation material manufacturer affiliated with Kyungdong Navien, is gaining recognition as a new possibility for carbon neutrality and zero-energy initiatives with its insulation materials and artificial soil.
Kyungdongwon is leading a new change in the construction insulation market with its recently launched semi-noncombustible urethane insulation material, 'Safefoam (xafe foam)'. In June, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced the 'Green Building Activation Plan for 2050 Carbon Neutrality,' which raises the zero-energy building grade for public buildings from level 5 to level 4 starting in 2025, and mandates that private buildings with a total floor area of 1,000㎡ or more must achieve at least level 5. This reflects the intention to standardize zero-energy buildings (ZEB) that reduce energy use in daily life.
Kyungdongwon expects Safefoam to further enhance the efficiency of ZEB. The company has already gained market recognition for its technology through products such as 'Flexsome,' an insulation material certified as a New Excellent Product (NEP) with price competitiveness compared to imported products, and 'Hypervac,' a vacuum insulation material that offers more than eight times the insulation performance of conventional construction insulation materials.
Safefoam is a semi-noncombustible insulation material that meets enhanced fire safety standards. It features Lotte Chemical’s polyol, which contains high-purity isophthalic acid (PIA) that withstands high temperatures, combined with Kyungdongwon’s patented technology using inorganic materials. This maintains the advantages of urethane while securing semi-noncombustible material performance solely through the core material.
Safefoam also passed the large-scale fire test (KS F 8414) conducted by a nationally accredited testing agency. The test involves installing exterior finishing materials and insulation at an 8m height, igniting stacked wood, and heating for 30 minutes. The temperature at the 5m upper point must not exceed 600℃ for 30 seconds to meet the standard. Safefoam recorded a maximum temperature of 522℃ for 30 seconds, passing the performance criteria.
A Kyungdongwon official stated, "Safefoam has been proven safe under relevant laws by minimizing the use of additional reinforcements and applying existing construction methods as is," adding, "It is expected to be recognized in the construction market as an insulation material that simultaneously satisfies economic feasibility, safety, and insulation performance."
The artificial soil 'Paraso' is also gaining attention as an essential material for creating rooftop gardens in urban areas. Kyungdongwon developed Paraso in 1991 using perlite, the first ultra-lightweight pure inorganic material in Korea. Paraso is a pure mineral soil that is about one-sixth the weight of regular soil while providing stable conditions necessary for plant growth.
It does not require soil replacement over time and has excellent breathability and water retention properties, creating an optimal environment for plant growth. Due to these advantages, Paraso is widely used not only for rooftop gardens but also in outdoor parks and various other environments.
A Kyungdongwon official explained, "Rooftop gardens create shade on building surfaces, preventing direct exposure to intense sunlight and reducing carbon dioxide emissions, a major cause of greenhouse gases," adding, "They serve as resting spaces for tired modern people and play a role in purifying air pollutants, contributing to environmental protection in urban areas."
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