For over 20 years, SOPREMA has worked to minimise the environmental and human impact of its products throughout a building’s lifecycle, from construction to demolition, supporting sustainable and energy-efficient solutions.
Building for the Future
Because Earth is also our home, we must do everything we can to keep it healthy.
SOPREMA's R&D policy, strongly focused on Sustainable Development, aims to minimise its environmental impact through the use of renewable resources in production and within its factories, as well as through innovation prioritising safety and health.
The company's history is closely linked to societal developments and the challenges they bring. As a responsible and pioneering manufacturer, SOPREMA has continuously evolved its offering by developing ecological systems, solutions, and bio-sourced construction technologies.
Over the years, this has led to advancements in greening processes, the integration of photovoltaic solutions for energy production, and the manufacture and supply of insulation, all expanding SOPREMA's product range. By prioritising sustainable construction, SOPREMA supports energy-efficient building solutions that meet modern environmental standards, making it easier for professionals to achieve compliance with green certifications and improve building performance.
Applications
SOPREMA provides waterproofing solutions that are suitable for all types of applications and requirements.
SOPRALOOP
A leading player in its sector, SOPREMA has spent over 30 years developing solutions that support more responsible construction.
Today, SOPREMA proudly offers SOPRALOOP, a waste collection and recycling service that gives materials a second life.
This initiative builds on the 2018 launch of our first unit for recycling PET packaging into polyols, which are then used in the production of our insulation panels, transforming waste into valuable raw materials.
Glassine Recycling
Did you know that Ireland generated 1.2 million tonnes of packaging waste in 2021.
Glassine, also known as "silicone paper" or "backing paper," is the smooth, protective layer that labels adhere to before use. It is widely used in industries such as food, hygiene, cosmetics, and logistics. However, much of it is still buried or burned, highlighting the need for better recycling solutions.
PVC Recycling
PVC is not only a versatile material but also fully recyclable, making it ideal for the circular economy. Recycling PVC reduces the carbon footprint by using less energy and producing fewer greenhouse gases compared to new production.
At SOPREMA, we primarily use PVC for waterproofing membranes on flat roofs. These membranes offer key benefits:
- Flameless installation (hot air weldable) for safer buildings, installer protection, and lower CO₂ emissions.
- Flexible and easy to install for efficient application.
- Durable with strong weather resistance and high UV protection.
We recycle only soft PVC, a material that can be reused in products such as flooring, tarpaulins, medical tubing, electrical cable insulation, and inflatables.
Recycling of Bitumen Membranes
Xloop, a patented SOPREMA project launched in 2019, is a recycling solution for bituminous membrane waste.
Based at our Val-de-Reuil plant, it works by crushing and filtering waste material, which is then reused in the production of bituminous membranes and binders at the same site—eliminating the need for transportation and reducing environmental impact.
In 2024, Zloop, a recycling unit based on the same principle, will be introduced in Grobbendonk, Belgium, further expanding our commitment to sustainable waste management.
EPS and XPS: Driving a Circular Economy
EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) is a lightweight material available in panels, blocks, and loose beads, commonly used for packaging. Made of 98% air and just 2% polystyrene, it is an excellent insulation material since static air is one of the best thermal insulators.
XPS (Extruded Polystyrene) comes in rigid foam panels, ideal for various insulation applications. Our XPS insulation panels offer:
- High compression resistance to meet demanding requirements.
- Thin profiles for maximising living space.
- Lightweight and easy installation with grooved and tongued edges to minimise thermal bridges.
Although only 30% of polystyrene is recycled globally, it is a fully recyclable material. At SOPREMA, we are committed to maximising its reuse by recovering polystyrene waste and transforming it into high-performance insulation.
Today, our XPS insulation panels contain up to 100% recycled polystyrene and can be infinitely recycled, supporting a truly circular economy.
At SOPREMA, we recycle EPS waste, giving it a second life as raw material in the production of our XPS insulation, supporting a more sustainable construction industry.
Got a question
SOPREMA has established itself as a leading player in the waterproofing industry, utilising its knowledgeable and accessible technical team acrross the island of Ireland, we aim to provide support to construction professionals at every project stage.
