Kingspan Made False Claims About Grenfell Insulation Product

According to the inquiry, Irish company Kingspan was found to have engaged in deceptive practices related to its K15 insulation product, contributing to a “false market” for insulation used on buildings over 18 metres in height. The recent report into the Grenfell Tower fire, which resulted in the tragic loss of 72 lives, has delivered significant findings regarding the role of insulation products in the disaster.

The K15 insulation made up approximately 5% of the total insulation used in Grenfell Tower, although it was utilised without Kingspan’s direct involvement in that specific installation.

The inquiry highlights that while Kingspan’s insulation was part of the building’s construction, it was the cladding, which was not produced by Kingspan, that was the principal factor in the rapid spread of the fire. However, the report is critical of Kingspan for misleading the market about the safety of its K15 product.

The inquiry asserts that Kingspan made false claims about the suitability of K15 for use in the external walls of high-rise buildings, regardless of the building’s design or other materials used. Between 2006 and 2019, the development and marketing of K15 were marked by what the report describes as “deeply entrenched and persistent dishonesty.” This dishonesty was driven by the company’s pursuit of commercial gain, with a blatant disregard for fire safety standards.

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According to the report, Kingspan was aware that K15 was not suitable for high-rise external walls but continued to market it as such. This misrepresentation was compounded by the company’s decision not to withdraw the product from the market, despite acknowledging its fire safety concerns.

Tests conducted in 2007 and 2008 on K15 systems were found to be “disastrous,” yet Kingspan did not act to remove the product from circulation. This inaction reflects a pattern of negligence regarding the product’s fire performance.

The inquiry also reveals that Kingspan misled the British Board of Agrément (BBA) by not disclosing that the product being marketed differed from the one tested in 2005. The BBA certification, which endorsed K15 for use on high-rise buildings, included several false statements about the product’s fire performance.

These statements were based on language suggested by Kingspan and drawn from its marketing literature, rather than independent verification of the product’s safety.

Additionally, the report criticises Kingspan for exploiting the industry’s lack of detailed knowledge about insulation and cladding fire safety. The company relied on the fact that the market was largely uninformed about the true performance of insulation products, thereby enabling them to make unsubstantiated claims about K15.

The inquiry also faults the BBA for its role in certifying Kingspan’s products despite the significant shortcomings in the certification process.

In response to the findings, Kingspan has issued a statement expressing deep sympathy for those affected by the Grenfell Tower fire. The company has welcomed the publication of the report, acknowledging its importance in understanding what went wrong.

Kingspan has reiterated that the main cause of the fire was the PE ACM cladding, not their insulation product. They have also acknowledged historical failings in their UK insulation business but argue that these issues were not the direct cause of the Grenfell tragedy.

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The company claims to have made significant improvements to its compliance and conduct standards since the events in question, and it has implemented measures to ensure that its practices are now “world leading.” Kingspan’s commitment to addressing these issues is evident in its ongoing efforts to enhance product safety and transparency.

In related news, Kingspan is also a sponsor of Ulster Rugby. The club has acknowledged the findings of the report and expressed its condolences to those affected by the fire. It was previously announced that Kingspan’s sponsorship of Ulster Rugby will conclude in June 2025, following a 12-month transition period.

This decision aligns with the company’s broader efforts to address and rectify past mistakes while continuing to support positive changes in the industry.