Frequently Asked Questions

What is Polyester?

Polyester is a synthetic fibre. It is made from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the same material used to make plastic drink bottles. Many drink bottles are recycled by being reheated and turned into polyester fibres, which in addition to being an efficient re-use, also helps keep polymers out of landfills. As consumers we must choose to recycle and re-use our plastics, not simply landfill them.

Autex takes its responsibilities for resource use seriously. We are using more and more already recycled polyester fibres (polyester that has already had a previous life as PET plastic). Our GreenStuf^® products contain a minimum of 45% already recycled fibre, and some of our QuietStuf^® products contain up to 83% already recycled fibre.

Are there any chemicals used in the manufacture?

No, all our polyester insulation materials are made from only 100% polyester fibres. We use heat to bind the fibres to form the structure of out insulation materials. This process is known as ‘thermal bonding’ of fibres. Polyester fibre is naturally fire, insect and vermin resistant so no chemical retardants are needed or used. We take this fact very seriously.

The use of chemicals is important for us as consumers because unknown exposure can pose serious health ricks. Some brands of the more common ‘fibre-glass’ insulation materials still use formaldehyde based binders in their manufacture. Formaldehyde in a known and classified human carcinogen.

What is an ‘R-Value’?

The R-Value of an insulation material is the industry-accepted measure of a products thermal performance. The higher the R-Value, the better the insulation performance. The test method for determining a product R-Value is the same for all bulk-fibre insulation materials (ie. Polyester, wool blends and fibre-glass) allowing you to compare products on an ‘apples for apples’ basis.

R-Value performance is based in a products ability to reduce heat flow. So a higher R-Rated insulation products will keep your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer.

Is GreenStuf® more expensive than fiberglass?

Yes, GreenStuf^® is more expensive than fiberglass insulation. You can expect to pay about $900 more for GreenStuf^® based on fully insulating a new single-level home. What you get for your $900 is a product that will perform for a life – GreenStuf^® will not deteriorate or breakdown over time, and is backed by a 50 year manufactures durability warranty. You also get a product that is completely safe for you, your family and our environment – forever.

Choosing to pay a bit more for GreenStuf^® will ensure environmental responsibility through our use of already recycled fibre, and the knowledge it can be recycled or reused indefinitely.

 We recommend you do your own research on the potential health risks associated with fibre-glass insulation, then you can determine if $900 is worth paying for the security in knowing you made a good choice for you, your family and our environment.

Can I install insulation myself?

Yes, installing Autex insulation products is easy. There is no itching and scratching that is often associated with fibre-glass products, and there are no special tools or protective clothing requires. If you’re pretty handy around the home – you should be able to give it a go! Each pack of Autex Insulation product comes with simple instructions and we recommend you follow them.

Why should I choose to use GreenStuf® & QuietStuf® 

Quite simply because they are the best!

Our products have been around for over ten years and are now the preferred choice of some of NZ’s leading architects and designers. All Autex Insulation products are manufactured under strict ISO9001 quality systems and one of the most comprehensive Quality Assurance programmes in the industry. All products are backed with a 50-year durability warranty, and our GreenStuf^® products are independently appraised for performance by BRANZ.

Our products are safe for you and our environment. They do not contain chemical additives and will never pose a future health rick to you or our planet. All Autex Insulation products contain already recycled fibre, and remain fully recyclable forever. GreenStuf^® and QuietStuf^® are non-irritant, non-toxic and non-allergenic and the fibres are not of a respirable size (i.e. cannot be breathed into your lungs) so they are safe even for asthma sufferers.