Thermalbond Xpress Life Cycle Asssessment - Saint-Gobain ...

For more information, contact:
Steven R. Jette
Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics
steven.r.jette@saint-gobain.com
1-508-351-7562
Thermalbond® Xpress Life Cycle Assessment: Fact Sheet
A transparent look at the environmental impacts of a new “Xpression” of structural glazing
gaskets
Thermalbond® Structural Glazing Spacing Tapes can reduce thermal conductivity!
Norton® Thermalbond® architectural tape spacers are used in curtain wall applications to
maintain a uniform distance between cladding or glazing panels and the frame and also to
provide a continuous stop for silicone sealants used for structural glazing and curtain wall
construction. By applying Thermalbond®, the thermal conductivity within the curtain wall
frame can be reduced as Thermalbond has a lower conductivity compared to competing
materials.
As part of their sustainable product development (SPD), the facility that manufactures
Thermalbond® performed a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on Thermalbond® in order to
provide transparency to their customers and to better understand and improve product
performance. Based on Saint-Gobain’s SPD process, the new Thermalbond® Xpress was
developed which:
-Has no release liner
-Can reduce the amount of aluminum in an extrusion
-Reduces heat transfer
-Improves the U-value
-Aids in easy fabrication
-Reduces waste and disposal impacts
-Maintains uniform spacing between glass and frame
-Compatible with structural silicones
-Possesses a low thermal conductivity
The impacts for Thermalbond® Xpress are presented in the tables below. These tables
and figures present data for the functional unit of one roll, that is 0.25” thick, .50” wide and
50’ long (6.4mm thick, 154mm wide and 15.2m long),, which corresponds to the typical
manufacturing unit shipped to customers. Thermalbond® Xpressdoes not need to be
replaced during the life of the window. The product lifetime was assumed to be 30 years
but varies based on the lifetime of the window.

Thermalbond LCA – Page 2 of 2
As shown in the above figure, production of Thermalbond® Xpress is the primary driver
of impacts. Saint-Gobain has implemented initiatives to reduce impacts within the
manufacturing process. Since 2011, the facility has been able to reduce their fuel
consumption by 20% and their water consumption by 50%. The resulting initiatives have
decreased the overall life cycle impacts of Thermalbond®, as shown below. Additionally,
through Saint-Gobain’s established Sustainable Product Development, Xpress is the next
generation product in the Thermalbond® family, designed with material and reductions in
mind, the following shows the reductions Saint-Gobain actively developed with Xpress.

Thermalbond LCA – Page 2 of 2
Thermalbond® Xpress requires less processing than the Thermalbond® tapes which
reduces the energy consumption and environmental impacts of this family of products.
Thermalbond® Xpress also eliminates the need for a disposable liner which conserves
raw materials and resources. Compared to the Original Thermalbond model, the global
warming potential has decreased by 18% and the cumulative energy demand has
decreased by 12%.
Thermalbond Life Cycle Assessment: Inventory Data
An industry first, cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted on
Thermalbond® to measure the environmental impacts of manufacturing and the benefits
of using this product. Raw material extraction and processing, manufacturing,
transportation to final customer and end of life were evaluated in this LCA. LCA Inventory
Data is available by request only and furnished under strict confidentiality agreement for a
specific purpose. To request this data, please visit www.thermalbond.com.
Saint-Gobain’s Commitment to Sustainability
For over 300 years, companies have trusted Saint-Gobain, a leader in developing
sustainable and innovative products, for high quality products. As part of their
commitment to sustainable product development, the facility that manufactures
Thermalbond® conducted a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) on Thermalbond® in order to
provide transparency to their customers and to better understand and improve product
performance. Additionally, Saint-Gobain is
Committed to sustainable manufacturing and operations with goals to reduce water consumption, waste
and increase energy efficiency. In 2011, the facility reduced their fuel consumption by 20% and in 2012
the facility reduced their water consumption by 50%.
Focused on improving sustainability of products using life cycle analysis to understand and reduce
environmental impact.
Hosts community education where the local community can learn about various aspects of the
manufacturing process.
Committed to supporting local agriculture and open space; maintains a long-term lease on 25 acres of
facility property used for agriculture.
Takes pride in employee safety; awarded the Saint-Gobain Millionaire’s award in 2010 for achieving a
million hours worked without a lost-time accident.
ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certified.
Saint-Gobain reports to the Carbon Disclosure Project and was ranked fourth internationally in the 2011
Global 500 annual report as a leader in carbon disclosure in the industrials sector.
Saint-Gobain has been awarded the ENERGYSTAR Partner of the Year Sustained Excellence Award for
2012 for the second straight year for the corporation’s innovations in sustainable manufacturing and
operations.

Thermalbond LCA – Page 2 of 2
About Saint-Gobain in North America
Saint-Gobain, the world’s largest building materials company, has its North American
headquarters in Valley Forge, Pa. As the world leader in sustainable habitat, Saint-Gobain is
committed to inventing solutions to help professionals and communities around the world
build and renovate comfortable, healthy, economical and energy-efficient buildings. The
company has more than 265 locations in North America and approximately 19,000
employees. In the United States and Canada, Saint-Gobain reported sales of approximately
$7.7 billion in 2011.
Saint-Gobain’s family of companies in North America includes CertainTeed Corporation, as
well as Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Saint-Gobain ADFORS, Vetrotech Saint-Gobain North
America, Saint-Gobain Glass, Saint-Gobain Solar and Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics.
Recognized as a 2009 and 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, Saint-Gobain earned the 2011 and 2012 ENERGY STAR
Sustained Excellence Award, the highest level of recognition for outstanding contributions
to protecting the environment through energy efficiency. For more information about
Saint-Gobain in North America, visit www.saint-gobain-northamerica.com and connect
with the company on Facebook and Twitter.