IndiBreathe

IndiBreathe is a building insulation system developed by Scotland-based startup Industrial Nature Limited that uses only natural materials. 

Buildings are among the biggest contributors to carbon emissions due to cooling systems and the energy and materials used in insulation systems, which use plastic-based foams, glass wool, or mineral wool. Even natural fiber-based systems use plastics.

IndiBreathe insulation boards are made from hemp and bio-composites developed and tested by founder Scott Simpson during his MSc program in Architecture. They do not contain petroleum-based plastics or toxins and are compostable.

The thermal performance of both exceeds the standards in the United Kingdom and achieves Passivhaus standards, which will help reduce 90% of heating needs of an average UK building. The material meets fire and pest resistance standards.

It is vapor breathable and reduces risk of condensation, black molds, and rot. As it keeps structures dry, it can be used for retrofitting in historic buildings, according to the company. The boards also store carbon. Wasted boards can be reprocessed and put to use again, or can be composted. The boards are manufactured in Scotland and use crops grown locally in farms and in old industrial sites.

At the Scotland Build Trade show in 2019, the company showcased a demo building using its insulation prototypes.  The company is planning to put the product in the market in 2020. The company will also provide architectural and modelling services to clients.

The company has won Best Circular Economy Initiative at Scottish Resources Awards 2017, Climate Launchpad award 2017, and was a finalist at the 2019 Edinburgh Business Awards.