EPS Molders Seek Labeling Requirements for "Aged" R-values

In response to a recent advanced notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) from the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to gather input on potential changes to the existing testing and labeling requirements for cellular plastic insulation, the expanded polystyrene (EPS) molders association is pushing for labeling requirements that better represent the long-term “aged” R-values of products made by competitors.  EPS is the only widely used rigid foam insulation that does not contain a special lowconductivity gas in its cells. Such gases give polyisocyanurate and extruded polystyrene (XPS) higher Rvalues than EPS, although the difference drops over time as the gases leak out. As part of the same rulemaking, FTC is considering whether to address the “dynamic” R-value of low-density attic insulation in very cold weather and whether to adopt a new procedure for determining settled density of loose-fill mineral fiber insulation.