Category: News

From June 2 to 4, 2025, the 30th edition of the International Caspian Oil & Gas Exhibition took place at the Baku Expo Center in Azerbaijan. Temati was a proud participant in this exhibition, which showcases the latest innovations in the oil, gas, and energy industries. This event, held in the heart of the Caspian region, attracted professionals, government officials, and companies from all over the world.

Innovative insulation solutions for the oil and gas industry

Visitors were able to find us at booth 2C212, where we showcased our innovative insulation solutions for the oil and gas sector. Our products, specifically developed for cold/cryogenic temperatures, meet the stringent demands of the industry. We presented multilayer insulation systems specially designed for the oil and gas industry. Among the products we featured were our vapor barriers, such as the Foster® Monolar® Mastic and Vaporstop Foil, which are crucial for preventing moisture from entering the insulation. We also discussed our sealants, such as Foster 95-50, which keep joints flexible while providing moisture protection, with the visitors. Additionally, we showed a video featuring practical solutions against CUI.

Valuable conversations and new relationships

The exhibition provided an excellent opportunity to have valuable discussions with both existing and potential customers, as well as to gain new insights into the latest trends and technologies within the industry. We are excited about the opportunities this exhibition has offered us and look forward to further developing our relationships in the region. We would like to thank everyone who visited us and took the time to learn more about our solutions.

We are pleased to announce our new partnership with INSPRO, marking a significant milestone in our efforts to expand and enhance our service offerings in Turkey. Temati has entered into a written cooperation agreement with INSPRO, a globally active leader in insulation solutions.

This collaboration combines INSPRO’s 20 years of experience in the field with Temati’s extensive expertise, which dates back to 1962. Together, we are committed to delivering innovative and robust solutions for projects across Turkey, focusing on product and project management.

A partnership built on expertise and local presence

Tolga Uzun, Export Manager at Temati, explains: “We were looking for a long-term partner that could help us achieve our growth objectives in Turkey. INSPRO perfectly fits this profile, with its extensive field experience, local storage facilities, and a wide operational reach throughout the country.”

INSPRO, established in 2005 and recently merged with its sister company ARTNIVO in 2024, specializes in the engineering design, production, and procurement of specialized insulation products and systems for industrial and maritime sectors. With its pioneering approach to industrial insulation, INSPRO continues to innovate and provide tailored solutions for complex projects.

A promising future ahead

“This partnership leverages Temati’s long-standing industry expertise and INSPRO’s deep field knowledge,” says Hüseyin Gökalp Çağlar of INSPRO. “Our shared goal is to offer cutting-edge solutions that address the unique challenges of projects in Turkey. In addition, we are focused on increasing on-field sales activities in the short to medium term to strengthen our market presence and improve service delivery.”

We are excited about the opportunities this collaboration will bring and look forward to a long-term and successful partnership that benefits both our companies and the broader industry.

A variety of chemicals are used every day across all industries, including potentially CMR substances. CMR substances (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic and Reproductive Toxic Substances) are chemicals that can have serious effects on human health. Because of their hazardous properties, manufacturers, distributors, and processors are legally obligated to take measures to minimise exposure and to understand their responsibilities regarding the registration and safe use of these substances. In this blog, we discuss the main concerns and rules surrounding CMR substances.

What are CMR substances?

CMR substances are chemicals classified as hazardous due to their potential impact on human health. The abbreviation CMR stands for Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, and Reproductive Toxic. This means that these substances are carcinogenic, can cause genetic changes (mutagenic), or can be harmful to reproduction, respectively. Exposure to these chemicals can lead to serious health problems, including developing cancer, damaging genetic material, and fertility problems or damage to unborn children. 

In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) compiles and maintains a list of CMR substances. This list is updated regularly, and businesses can refer to the HSE’s Hazardous Substances database to identify substances that are classified as CMRs and to access guidance on managing these substances safely.

Hazards for industry

Exposure to carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reprotoxic substances can happen in various ways and in many different environments, such as industrial settings, construction sites, and laboratories, often under unsuspected conditions. Examples include hardwood sawing or diesel engine emissions. Exposure can also occur when using products containing these substances, such as paint, glue or quartz (silica) in sand and rocks.

To minimise these risks, it is crucial that manufacturers, suppliers and processors are well aware of which substances are classified as CMR. And that they take the necessary precautions in doing so, such as the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and registration and labelling of these hazardous substances must be closely monitored.

Laws and regulations: why is registration important?

CMR substances are subject to strict UK regulations designed to protect both workers and consumers. In the UK, the management of hazardous substances, including CMR substances, is governed by a combination of regulations aimed at minimising exposure and safeguarding health.

• Under UK-REACH regulations, companies that manufacture, import, or distribute CMR substances are required to register these substances with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This registration process requires businesses to provide detailed information on the hazards associated with these substances, as well as safe handling and usage instructions. Read more about the REACH regulations.
• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations play a crucial role in managing workplace exposure to hazardous substances, including CMR substances. COSHH requires employers to assess the risks associated with hazardous substances, including CMR substances, and implement control measures to protect workers from exposure. This may involve providing personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring proper ventilation, and offering training on handling hazardous materials.
• The CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) regulations also apply to CMR substances, ensuring they are correctly classified, labelled, and packaged. This mandates clear hazard warnings and pictograms on products containing CMR substances, helping buyers and processors understand the risks and take appropriate safety precautions.

Supply chain responsibility

UK-REACH legislation requires all parties in the supply chain to actively request and provide information, both upstream and downstream. Each link in the chain plays a crucial role in ensuring that carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic substances are produced, traded and applied in a safe and legal manner:

• Manufacturers are responsible for the initial identification and registration of CMR substances, and must develop alternatives.
• Distributors and traders must pass on correct information on these substances and advise customers on safe alternatives.
• Processors bear responsibility for using hazardous substances safely in the workplace and protecting their employees.

Because there is a legal obligation to actively collect and share information, it is not credible for a party to claim it was not aware. If there are signs indicating potential risks, parties are expected to investigate on their own. Ignoring this obligation makes responsibility inevitable. Indeed, working unsafely with hazardous substances can lead to serious damage. For an overview of the requirements, guidelines, and best practices for safely handling, storing, and working with hazardous substances, see our white paper ‘Laws and Regulations on CMR Substances and REACH’.

How to recognise CMR substances?

CMR substances can be identified in materials by paying close attention to product labels and safety data sheets (SDS). These documents contain essential information about a product’s composition and associated hazards, including the presence of harmful chemicals.

Checking for harmful chemicals

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK carries out thorough and effective inspections to monitor exposure to CMR substances. While they enforce strict health and safety regulations, the responsibility for compliance rests entirely with employers. Companies are legally required to identify potential exposure risks to CMR substances and implement measures to minimise or eliminate these risks. Failure to comply with these regulations may result in significant fines or other legal penalties. The HSE or other regulatory authorities not only expect companies to meet legal requirements but also encourage them to act proactively by developing innovative and practical solutions.

Conclusion: safety first

Workplace safety starts with a thorough understanding of the hazards posed by CMR substances and a proactive approach to risk management. It is crucial that all parties in the chain – from manufacturers to traders and processors – are aware of these hazardous substances and continue to improve safety procedures. Handling harmful chemicals carefully, registering them correctly, and reading the information on labels and safety data sheets properly can significantly reduce risks. This not only ensures compliance with legal requirements, but also contributes to employee health and safety. 

Protect yourself, your colleagues or your employees and download our free white paper ‘Legislation and regulations on CMR substances and REACH’ of the requirements, guidelines and best practices for safely handling, storing and working with hazardous substances.

In Europe and UK, specific laws and regulations are in place, regarding safe working with hazardous substances. REACH is an important European legislation for anyone working with or trading chemical substances. UK REACH is the United Kingdom’s independent chemicals regulatory framework and applies for England, Scotland and Wales. This applies to all Temati customers and companies in our sector, including carriers. As a Temati customer, you can rely on us to closely follow all measures, obligations and procedures related to REACH. However, this does not mean that you have no legal obligations; quite the contrary. If you produce, import, distribute or professionally use chemical substances or mixtures of substances in Great Britain, UK REACH also applies to you! Below we further explain your obligations, in any sector.

REACH legislation for safety in the chemical industry

REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals. This legislation, introduced in 2007 is for the registration, evaluation and authorization of chemical substances produced or imported into the European Union. After Brexit in 2020, the UK REACH variant came into force in 2021 for Great Britain. The main goal of REACH is to protect both human health and the environment from the risks that chemicals can pose. The legislation has a broad scope, from production and importation to distribution and professional use.

Impact of REACH regulations on companies

UK REACH has a significant impact on companies that use or market chemicals within Great Britain. Manufacturers must collect information on the properties of their chemicals and register them with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This ensures that chemicals placed on the market can be used safely and damage to the environment is minimized. The industry is responsible for managing the risks of chemicals, which encourages innovation and the development of safe, sustainable products.

Obligations as a distributor

Anyone who trades chemicals is considered a distributor by legislation. As a distributor, you are responsible for complying with the registration obligations of the substances you trade. This includes being able to demonstrate how the substance can be used safely and you must communicate the risk management measures to the users. This is crucial to ensure that the substances you market can be used safely by end users and other interested parties. In addition, you must ensure that your suppliers comply with their registration obligations under UK REACH. 

Obligations as a processor

As an insulator, installer or contractor, you also have obligations under REACH, especially when you process or use chemicals in your processes. It is important that you receive the correct information about these substances from your suppliers, including safety data sheets (SDSs), so that you can take safety measures and ensure the health of your employees. In addition, you must ensure that you use the substances as directed and minimize any risks to humans and the environment.

Safety Data Sheets

Safety Data Sheets should contain detailed information about the properties of substances, the hazards they may present, and the measures that should be taken to ensure safe handling and use. Temati ensures that all its products come with an up-to-date SDS Safety Data Sheet that complies with the (EU and UK) REACH specifications. These can be downloaded easily and without restrictions from Temati.com.

Basic principles of REACH

REACH is based on the four main components: Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction.

1. Registration: Manufacturers and importers must submit data on the properties and uses of their chemicals. 
2. Evaluation: HSE, with the Environment Agency evaluate the submitted data to determine whether there are risks to health or the environment. They assess whether further testing is needed and to see if the risks of the substances are manageable.
3. Authorization: Substances of very high concern are referred to as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) within REACH. These SVHC substances must go through an authorization process before they can be used. More about SVHC substances.
4. Restriction: To control risks, restrictions may be imposed on the production, use or sale of certain hazardous substances.

Registration of chemical substances

Temati, as a supplier and importer of insulation protection materials, must also ensure that all chemical substances that we import, store or sell are properly registered with HSE. This applies both to individual chemical substances and to the mixtures in which these substances are present. This requires companies throughout the supply chain to cooperate with each other to collect and submit the necessary data on the properties, applications and uses of these substances.

Evaluation and risk management

An important aspect of UK REACH legislation is the evaluation of submitted data by HSE, with the Environment Agency. Manufacturers and importers must ensure that the substances they supply are safe for their intended uses. This includes conducting risk assessments and implementing risk management measures. Indeed, unsafe handling of hazardous substances can lead to serious harm. You will find an overview of the requirements, guidelines and best practices for safely handling, storing, and working with hazardous substances in our white paper “Laws and regulations on CMR substances and REACH. 

REACH substance list

REACH has compiled the substances of very high concern (SVHC substances) into a list. This list contains chemicals that pose a potential hazard to human health and the environment. This SVHC list is regularly updated and includes substances subject to authorization, restrictions or other regulatory measures under REACH. This list allows companies to assess their products and processes and identify potential risks, contributing to safer use of chemicals and better protection of people and the environment.

REACH and sustainability

REACH regulations encourage companies to innovate and promote the implementation of green chemistry principles, which aim to minimize waste and reduce the use of hazardous substances. Through strict control and restriction of hazardous substances, REACH forces companies to seek sustainable practices, ultimately leading to a cleaner and healthier environment. In addition, the transparency and availability of information on chemicals increases the confidence of end users and other stakeholders in the products. 

Following an earlier acquaintance and some indirect collaboration with Temati as Financial Manager at Hertel Industrial Sealings, which, like Temati, was part of the Hertel Group at the time, Stefan Naenen joined Temati as CFO in 2012. In 2013 he became one of the co-owners of the Temati Group, which, with all its international branches, separated from the old parent organization to continue independently.

In 2022, the owners sold their shares to the IPCOM Group, after which Stefan continued to carry out his duties and responsibilities as CFO within the new structure. Now the time has come for Stefan to take on a new challenge and to use his entrepreneurial ambition in a different place within a new organization.

In recent years, Stefan has designed and expanded the structures and processes in the financial and ICT field at Temati. In addition, he has also been strongly involved in helping to create the optimal conditions for the Temati Group to further develop into the healthy and ambitious international organization it is today. We wish him and his family every success and happiness, and thank him for his contributions and commitment to the development of the Temati Group.

In March 2018, Tolga Uzun joined Temati as an internal sales representative. With a background in sales, the position, which involved extensive customer interaction, immediately appealed to him. Additionally, the international aspect of the company attracted him, as he saw opportunities for further self-development. These expectations have now been more than fulfilled. In this interview, Tolga shares his journey at Temati and how he has developed within the company to become an export manager.

From internal sales to export manager

Tolga started his career at Temati with a wide range of tasks: from handling incoming requests to providing technical support and organising transport within the Netherlands and abroad. After four years, Tolga, partly due to his Turkish background and Temati’s collaboration with a distributor in Turkey, saw an opportunity to further develop this high-potential market. “On my own initiative, I started visiting clients and projects in Turkey. The fact that I can communicate with people in the same language is a great advantage.”

What began as a personal challenge led to a serious expansion of his responsibilities. Now, 2.5 years later, he is responsible for markets in Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Georgia. He regularly travels to these countries to visit customers and projects and to develop the market. “It is fantastic how I have been able to develop myself in this role, but also the growth I have managed to achieve in the Turkish market is something I am proud of. The appreciation I receive from my colleagues for this gives me even more energy.” 

Self-development and own initiative

Working at Temati: more than just a job

What Tolga perhaps appreciates most about working at Temati is the work atmosphere and the bond with colleagues. “It is a small, close-knit team where you have a lot of responsibility. The lines of communication are short, allowing you to easily switch between different levels, from the management to the warehouse,” says Tolga enthusiastically.

The atmosphere within the team is informal, and the collaboration is smooth, contributing to a pleasant work environment. Every day starts with a good conversation at the coffee table, which strengthens the mutual bond. The diversity within the international team also plays an important role in this. “We have a great mix of young and old, different nationalities and backgrounds,” Tolga explains. “That is precisely what makes the work so interesting. I have built close relationships with some colleagues, and that makes the work really fun.”

An employer with a heart for its employees

Tolga is clearly proud of his employer. “I have had various employers and seen different companies from the inside, but Temati is special. From the management to the warehouse and all the other branches, it’s just wonderful to work for this company,” he concludes.

More about working at Temati and vacancies?

In industrial environments, protecting hot insulation systems is essential for energy efficiency and pipe protection. It is imperative to prevent moisture from entering the insulation system. This can reduce the performance of the insulation system and contribute to corrosion of the underlying pipes, vessels, flanges, valves and more. In addition, the weather barrier coating must be able to “breathe” so that any moisture present in the system can get out. This is where FOSTER® brand breather coatings provide a solution.

The problem of moisture in hot insulation

In hot insulation systems, controlling moisture from entering is paramount. Moisture and water can penetrate the insulation system and cause problems. Besides loss of performance, moisture or water can also contribute to corrosion of the underlying pipes, vessels, flanges, valves and other components. This can lead to costly repairs and maintenance work, and can even compromise safety. In terms of thermal insulation protection, FOSTER® weather barrier coatings provide total protection without seams, overlaps or joints that can cause short- or long-term failures. This is especially important on bends, T-joints, vessels and other complex shapes. FOSTER® weather barrier coatings are fully weatherproof and make the use of additional metal cladding optional.

Components of thermal insulation systems

Hot insulation systems consist of several layers to prevent the penetration of moisture and water and optimally protect pipes :

• Adhesive: When fibrous insulation or calcium silicate needs to be attached to a hot surface, HT Silicate Adhesive 1000 is used. For lower temperatures, FOS-STIK™ spray adhesive (aerosol adhesive) can provide easy, clean, strong bonding of a wide range of materials.
• Insulation: On the adhesive, the insulation layer is applied, e.g. PIR, PUR or cellular glass.
• Reinforcement: To reinforce the insulated pipe sections and hold them in place, Filament tape is used; a longitudinally reinforced tape with glass fibres.
• Weather barrier – A FOSTER® weather barrier coating is applied in two layers over the outer surface of the insulation. A reinforcement such as Scrimtex or Mast-A-Fab is wrapped in the first layer before the second layer is applied. Different colours are often used to ensure no spots are skipped. 
• Sealant: In hot insulation systems, metal cladding is generally not needed, as the FOSTER® coating already provides a watertight seal. However, when metal cladding is used as exterior cladding over insulation, the overlaps are sealed using Foster 95-44; a flexible vapour barrier sealant.

Support and advice on hot insulation

This article covers best-practices for most situations. But we have other insulation materials in our range for hot applications, such as two-component PU foam and a variety of insulation jackets. For more specific information and technical support, please contact our team. Based on our technical materials for insulation protection, we can advise on specific details and applications.

Many asbestos-containing materials were used in the past, mainly in construction, but also in installations and ships. Asbestos was a cheap, strong, hard-wearing material, which was also resistant to bases and high temperatures. It is now known that inhaling or swallowing asbestos fibres is dangerous and poses a major health risk. It is therefore crucial to remediate or conserve asbestos in a safe and effective way. Read more about the different solutions Temati offers for encapsulating or removing asbestos in this article.

What is asbestos and where does it occur?

Asbestos is a collective term for naturally formed minerals with a fibrous structure. There are three types of asbestos: white asbestos (chrysotile), blue asbestos (crocidolite) and brown asbestos (amosite). Over 80% of asbestos in the Netherlands is processed into asbestos cement products, such as corrugated sheets and water pipes. Furthermore, asbestos occurs in other applications such as:

• Insulation material
• Fire resistant boards
• In gaskets and filters of the chemical and food industries

Asbestos remediation or preservation?

The processing of asbestos-containing material includes several options. The asbestos can be completely remediated (removal) or preserved (encapsulation and finishing). Several factors are considered when determining the right approach for asbestos processing, including the condition of the asbestos-containing material, the location, the intended use of the space, exposure risks and applicable regulations. It is essential to carry out a thorough asbestos inventory and assessment to make an informed decision on whether to remediate or conserve the material.

1. Asbestos remediation is usually chosen in situations where the material is damaged, worn or highly weathered. Remediation may also be preferred when there is a high risk of fibre dispersion and exposure. The goal of asbestos remediation is to completely remove the material from the environment to eliminate health risks. This requires a careful process that complies with applicable regulations and safety standards.
2. Asbestos preservation can be a viable option when the material is in good condition, not damaged and the risk of fibre spread is low. Instead of removing it completely, it can then be conserved. This involves encapsulating the material and finishing it with special coatings or sealants. The encapsulation process requires precise application of appropriate products and periodic monitoring to ensure that the encapsulated asbestos-containing material remains intact.

Different solutions

Foster® Products Corporation is an international pioneer and market leader in the development of asbestos remediation products. As Foster®’s exclusive distributor in Europe, Temati offers a comprehensive range of specialised products for encapsulating and remediating asbestos-containing materials.

·      Impregnating agent to encapsulate asbestos

Preserving or encapsulating asbestos ensures that the asbestos fibres are contained and cannot be released after curing. Various impregnating agents and coatings are available for this purpose, distinguishing between a penetrating impregnating agent and an insulating sealant.

• Foster 32-20, 32-21 and 32-22 are single-component asbestos impregnants that penetrate deeply into porous asbestos-containing materials. It dries to a solid, damage-resistant mass that prevents asbestos fibres from being released.
• Foster 32-80 is a bridging coating that forms a tough and elastic coating after drying, which prevents the release of fibres. This coating is also used after asbestos removal on walls and ceilings.
• Foster 30-52 Fireflex is the preferred product for outdoor applications where an excellent asbestos encapsulation material is required. A fungal and UV-resistive alternative to Foster 32-80.

·      Asbestos remediation products

Foster 32-60 is specially designed to facilitate the removal of asbestos-containing materials from various substrates. This ready-to-use asbestos impregnating agent easily “wets” the individual fibres (also fibres in the air) and traps them. After this, the asbestos can be removed without releasing loose fibres into the air and thus with less risk of inhaling the harmful substance. In addition, the Foster 32-60 asbestos impregnating agent is also effective as a residual fibre locking agent.

·      Coatings to encapsulate residual asbestos fibres

After asbestos removal, it is very important to encapsulate the remaining fibres to prevent further spread and exposure. Even after careful asbestos removal, small asbestos fibres may still be present. By encapsulating residual fibres, they are trapped which ensures that they cannot spread again. An essential step to minimise the risks related to asbestos.

One of the products that can be used for encapsulation is Foster 32-80. This is a special coating that can be applied to walls and ceilings. By diluting it with water, it can also be used effectively to lock remaining fibres on permanent and temporary surfaces. In addition, the asbestos impregnating agent Foster 32-22 can also be used to seal remaining asbestos fibres.

Safety first!

Although the removal and preservation of asbestos may seem simple, the correct encapsulation of the (remaining) fibres is very important to prevent further spread and exposure to asbestos fibres. Indeed, inhaling loose asbestos fibres is the main danger of asbestos. These fibres can cause serious health problems, the symptoms of which can appear as long as 40 years after exposure. Lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that affects the pleura or peritoneum, are some of the serious consequences of asbestos exposure. Therefore, it is crucial to take strict safety measures when working with or near asbestos-containing materials and adequately protect oneself from possible exposure to asbestos dust.

Get in touch

Are you looking for a product for preserving or remediating asbestos? Or do you still have questions about any of the solutions mentioned? Our dedicated team is ready to answer all your questions and together find the right solution for your asbestos situation!

The European Union recently adopted a new REACH regulation. This includes mandatory training for all employees in EU member states who deal with sprayed PUR foam. From 24 August 2023, all professional and industrial users of products containing > 0.1% monomeric diisocyanates, to hold a valid certificate. This regulation also applies to the use of Temati’s sprayable PU foam products. You can read all about certification in this article.

The importance of correct application of sprayed PUR foam

(Di)isocyanates are basic constituents of PUR foams, adhesives and sealants in particular. These polyurethane (PU) products are versatile and used for various applications in construction, transport, assembly and other sectors. The health and safety risks when processing PU foam are almost negligible, as long as the material is applied according to proper guidelines.

Guidelines for use of (di)isocyanates

Some important guidelines to observe when working with (di)isocyanates are:

• Avoid inhalation of vapours
• Avoid contact with skin
• Avoid contact with eyes
• Wear the required personal protective equipment (gloves, eye protection and safety shoes)
• No drinking, eating or smoking in the workplace
• Make sure the workplace is well ventilated

Knowledge crucial for safe PUR processing

To work responsibly with sprayed PUR, knowledge is crucial. This is why the EU has made training and certification mandatory from August 2023 for all employees handling (di)isocyanates. The aim of this obligation is to increase the quality of processing and protect the environment and human health against the risks of chemicals.

Why this mandatory certification for PU foam?

As mentioned above, the aim of the EU obligation is to prevent health hazards, such as respiratory and skin problems due to improper use of diisocyanates. Therefore, it is essential that every worker, who works with the material, has sufficient knowledge and is aware of the risks. Besides the correct working method, the worker should be able to implement appropriate risk management measures, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment.

What does this mean for you?

From 24 August 2023, PU foam processors must ensure that they are trained and certified to handle this product safely. In doing so, they must know how to control skin and respiratory exposure to the material in the workplace. The training must be repeated every 5 years to continue working with (di)isocyanates and maintain a high level of quality and knowledge. This rule also applies to the use of Temati’s Froth-Pak, Handi-Foam and Temati Foam products. 

What does PU foam training entail?

For training, 3 levels have been identified, linked to the degree of exposure to the product:

• Basic (level 1)
• Medium (level 2)
• High (level 3)

The highest level is intended for employees performing tasks such as heating or spraying in the open air or in an environment with limited (natural) ventilation. The basic level focuses on assessing the suitability of an area for insulation with PUR foam and assessing any risks. Which level your employees should follow and which modules belong to it can be determined using this matrix.

Where can you take the course?

There are several parties providing training materials. These include FEICA, the umbrella organisation for the adhesives and sealants industry, which is working on training for PU certification. And the European industry has also developed an elearning platform. More information on the REACH restriction can be found on the Legislation.gov.uk website.

Temati’s focus is on protecting insulation, particularly in cold insulation. That is exactly the challenge for which the companies Insulcon and Isopartner Netherlands sought a solution for their clients. Insulcon specialises in heat management and has been working with Temati for four years now. The cooperation with Isopartner Netherlands, wholesaler of technical insulation materials, goes back longer and has lasted for 40 years. We spoke to Hans Vlasman, Senior Sales Executive at Isopartner Netherlands, and Patrick Schults, Technical Product Manager at Insulcon, about this collaboration.

Emergence of cooperation

Hans Vlasman explains that he has known Temati for a very long time as a supplier of accessories for cold insulation in particular. This goes back as far as 40 years, when they traditionally purchased Foster® materials and Froth-Pak. Later, VaporStop foil, in practice also called Mylar foil, was added as a finish for rigid foams from our own production. For Patrick Schults, that experience is somewhat shorter. About four years ago at Insulcon, they got their first order in the cold application, where Temati’s foils, tapes, coatings and adhesives offered a good solution in addition to the insulation materials that were in their own programme.

Who are Isopartner Netherlands and Insulcon?

Isopartner Netherlands has been operating as a wholesaler with a focus on technical insulation materials since 1951. With a wide range of products in technical insulation in stock, a high level of knowledge, reliable logistics and advanced machinery, Isopartner Netherlands is the partner for insulation companies in the HVAC, industrial, marine and O.E.M. markets.

Insulcon was founded in 1980 and specialises in heat management. They provide solutions involving thermal shock, chemical and abrasion resistance and/or high thermal insulation properties at high temperatures, up to 1600°C. Headquartered in the Netherlands, with manufacturing, sales and engineering offices across Europe and a network of agents and distributors, Insulcon covers the globe.

Professional with knowledge

As far as Isopartner Netherlands was concerned, the reason for choosing Temati was the fact that they had the know-how and the right product in house and were also fairly unique in that respect. Hans Vlasman: “When bonding polyurethane pir, we always contacted Temati as a professional in that field. And then particularly the Foster® products.” Temati is also exclusive distributor within Europe of this brand.

What was also very important for Insulcon is the fact that Temati itself does not mainly supply insulation material. Patrick Schults: “There are certainly other parties supplying the products, but it makes sense for us to look into the group first. With a group partner like Temati, it is often easier to share competitively sensitive details.”

Support to the joint end customer

For both companies, Temati provides support to the joint end customer. One way they do this is by sharing knowledge and recommending the right products. Patrick Schults and Hans Vlasman can always call with any questions they have in the field of cold insulation. In addition, Harold Snoeren (Technical Products Manager at Temati) goes to the end customer himself and also together with Hans Vlasman to give advice. And with Temati’s products, Insulcon can offer a complete package.

The companies complement each other well in this way. “We supply something they don’t have and they supply something we don’t have. And together we should be able to give good advice to a customer in that. That is something we do try to distinguish ourselves with in a partnership,” says Johan Sentjens (Business & Product Development Manager at Temati).

Quality and service

Both gentlemen are very satisfied with the cooperation. They both mention the quality of the service, both of the products and the people, and the delivery reliability. One strength is to get the right products, in the right place at the right time. Patrick Schults: “Contacts with the office staff are good and information is always delivered neatly and completely. In the past four years, nothing has ever gone wrong with that”.

Sharing knowledge

According to Patrick Schults, the art of the game is to be present throughout the chain and make sure people understand that you are the party that can help. Cold and cryogenic is something specialised after all, and there too it is noticeable that more and more knowledge is disappearing. By pooling and sharing that knowledge of the companies in this sector, the sector should remain able to continue to serve its customer group optimally and with customisation.

The IPCOM group

All three companies have joined the IPCOM group. The IPCOM group is a fast-growing and ambitious European group of companies specialising in the distribution and conversion of innovative solutions for cold insulation, high-temperature insulation, passive fire protection and sound insulation. A major advantage of this group is that it provides (more) contacts outside the Benelux, which brings the opportunity to deploy products internationally more often. But new companies joining the IPCOM group also offer opportunities. They may now buy elsewhere and get to know new suppliers within the group.

Anticipate

The insulation market is changing enormously and rapidly, which makes it important to keep abreast of events, according to Hans Vlasman. A development that is also important, according to Patrick Schults, is the disappearance of craftsmanship. Knowledge to work properly with products like Pir and Foamglas is slowly disappearing from the market, making the installation of these insulation materials increasingly difficult. Towards the future, the demand for alternative and new products, which are easier and require less knowledge to process, is likely to increase.