Fibreglass vs Kit Insulation

One of the more important things to get right on your new refrigerated vehicle is the insulation. The average panel van loses 25% of its heat through the walls. If the van and insulation is old, that figure will be significantly higher. Better thermal insulating properties provide a more efficient insulation. This reduces heat loss and protects against condensation. With ever increasing energy and fuel costs, it makes good sense to have effective, quality insulation.

WLTP (World Harmonised Light Vehicle Testing Procedure)

WLTP was developed with the aim of being used as a global test cycle across different world regions, so pollutant and CO2 emissions as well as fuel/energy consumption values would be comparable worldwide. It is designed to give a more realistic driving condition than previous tests. WLTP aims to provide a much more accurate basis for calculating a vehicle’s fuel/energy consumption and emissions.

Previously, testing was carried out on unladen vehicles with standard equipment only. According to the WLTP, additional testing must now be carried out to reflect the different equipment packages available. Additional equipment options can increase a vehicle’s weight, meaning more fuel is consumed to keep the vehicle in motion and subsequently, more C02 is emitted.

It is envisioned that the tax rates for panel vans will be linked to the emissions, similar to passenger cars currently. As such, a lower weight is advantageous when purchasing a vehicle as the tax is likely to be lower. While this may not be a significant sum for a single vehicle, take into account the number of vehicles in a fleet and costs soon add up. Having a lighter weight insulation will save you money.

At Ballinlough we strive to constantly be an innovator in the transport refrigeration industry. Making use of light, strong and durable components to optimise vehicle productivity. Compared to Traditional Wet-lay Fibreglass insulation, our kit saves roughly 33% on a vehicles payload. In real terms, this is over 100kg of weight saving on a typical Mercedes Sprinter or Ford Transit van.

Interior:

Kit insulation is made from a lightweight, strong and durable GRP sheet with woven roving reinforcement as a regular surface. This way it can avoid the use of weighty timber elements in the wall construction, whilst not compromising on strength and durability. It has a clean, easy wipe finish that is food safe yet hard-wearing for the tough jobs.

New Kit Insulation Finish                                               Traditional Fibreglass

Insulation:

Our insulation is made from only the best quality insulation manufactured to the highest standards. This material has the highest insulating values of any commercially available insulation. It has also been chosen due to its high strength to weight ratio. The flooring is re-enforced with plywood for extra strength and available in 2 finishes – grip or non-grip. See below photo of the grip finish

What does this all mean for you?

You have a better quality insulation that is lighter weight than a traditional fibreglass solution. It means a higher payload and lower costs. The result is an insulation and refrigeration solution that is lightweight, environmentally friendly and cost effective.

For more information click here or contact us at 01-4600322

* Source: RSA website

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