CarbIP Life Project – Final Newsletter

LIFE CARBIP Project Concludes: Final Results, Achievements and Future Perspectives

After several years of research and development, the LIFE CARBIP (Circular Aerogel Reusable Building Insulation Products) project has reached its conclusion. The project set out to develop and validate circular, high-performance insulation materials that could reduce the environmental impact of buildings while improving opportunities for material reuse and recovery at end of life.

Final results

CARBIP successfully demonstrated the technical feasibility of producing aerogel-based composite insulation materials at pilot scale. An improved aerogel production process was developed using locally sourced raw materials, reduced quantities of hazardous substances and lower energy demand compared with conventional production routes. Pilot-scale equipment was designed, built and operated successfully, providing valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities of sustainable aerogel manufacturing.

The project also succeeded in developing and testing several aerogel-fibre composite materials. Thermal performance targets were achieved, with measured thermal conductivities in the range of approximately 25-29 mW/m·K, comparable to conventional high-performance insulation products. Among the various solutions investigated, cellulose-based composites showed particularly promising results by combining strong thermal performance with improved sustainability potential.

Environmental assessments further indicated that aerogel-based insulation materials could significantly reduce climate impact compared with conventional PU and PIR insulation systems, with reductions of up to 60% under specific pilot-scale conditions.

Achievements

Beyond the technical results, CARBIP generated valuable knowledge on circular insulation concepts, sustainable material development and aerogel production technology. The project also contributed to the broader understanding of how innovative low-carbon materials can support Europe’s transition towards a more sustainable and circular construction sector.

During the project, extensive technical, economic and environmental evaluations were performed. While the technology demonstrated strong technical potential, industrial upscaling towards the originally targeted precast construction market was found to require substantial additional investment. Following a joint assessment with CINEA, it was therefore decided to formally conclude the project on 31 October 2025.

Future Perspectives

Although large-scale deployment within the targeted market proved economically challenging, the project results remain highly relevant for specialised applications where superior insulation performance and limited available space are key requirements. Potential future markets include heritage and monument renovations, space-constrained refurbishment projects, passive buildings, industrial installations and technical equipment insulation.

The knowledge, data, intellectual property and practical experience generated through CARBIP provide a valuable foundation for future innovation in high-performance, low-carbon insulation materials. The project has demonstrated that circular aerogel-based insulation technologies hold significant promise and can contribute to the continued development of more sustainable construction solutions in Europe.

Best regards,
The CarbIP Life Project Team

With the support of the LIFE programme
Project LIFE21 ENV/BE/101074177

Co-funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or CINEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.