Sustainability. It is a concept that resonates in every sector today, but how do you implement it concretely? For Dirk Vermeulen, Head of Technical Management at Recticel Insulation, sustainability is not an isolated theme, but a daily reality that his team helps shape.
With technical expertise, Dirk and his team translate European climate goals, regulations, and sustainability ambitions into achievable solutions for clients and partners. “Our role is to make those big words practical. From circular materials to regulations regarding CO₂: we ensure that our clients understand what that means for their projects.”
Can you tell us something about your role at Recticel?
“I have been working at Recticel since 2001 and today I lead the Technical Management team within the panels division. We consist of two parts: the international Technical Competence Center with four experts, and the local Technical Management teams that provide direct technical support to clients, architects, sales, and other stakeholders. Together, we are about twenty colleagues. Our role goes beyond on-site support or product advice. We also keep track of regulations, participate in committees, and engage in what I call ‘technical advocacy’: actively thinking about the future of the construction sector.”
Sustainability is a hot topic today. How do you concretely translate that?
“Our mission is clear: to reduce the CO₂ footprint of buildings through high-performance thermal insulation. At the same time, we are working on more sustainable raw materials, such as recycled polyol, biocircular MDI, and new facings.
We commit as a group within the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to aim for net zero by 2050. Our greatest challenge lies in scope 3 emissions: 99% of our emissions occur there. Therefore, we invest in biocircular raw materials and in our production, recycling solutions, etc. The group guarantees transparent reporting, through annual audits, to an internationally renowned climate organization.”
Does sustainability only concern the environment?
“Certainly not. Sustainability is also about social and economic aspects. We build on reliable relationships, where we do not only choose our partners based on technical or ecological criteria but also on social and economic aspects. A sustainable company is one that acts economically sound, environmentally responsible, and socially just.”
How does your team support customers with sustainability challenges?
“We help customers deal with new regulations, CO₂ calculations, quality standards, environmental and other certificates. For example, we create Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for our products, so that our customers have transparent data about their environmental impact. In addition, we support ‘ecodesign’: designing and applying products in such a way that they can be easily dismantled or reused. We strive for a lifespan of our insulation boards that exceeds that of the building itself, facilitating potential reuse.”
What is the added value of your technical support?
“Our customers often do not have the knowledge to translate the various sustainability requirements into concrete applications. This is where we come in. Thanks to our international knowledge transfer, we can roll out solutions in multiple countries, always tailored to the local context. This gives customers confidence and certainty.”
What trends do you see emerging in the context of sustainability?
“Solar panels on roofs have now become a standard. However, this adds extra weight. Thanks to our lightweight insulation material, existing roofs can usually be easily improved energetically. In addition, the Digital Product Passport is on its way, which will contain information about the CO₂ impact of each product via a QR code. We also see more attention being paid to green and blue roofs, where water retention and biodiversity are central. All these developments require expertise, the right products, and collaborations. That's exactly where we want to be at the forefront.”
Finally, what characterizes Recticel as a partner?
“Our customers know they can rely on us. Whether it is about product advice, regulations, or innovation, we combine technical know-how with insight and sustainability. This way, we not only build high-performance buildings but also long-lasting relationships.””