Moulded Foams have joined the new National Blown Bead Association (NBBA) which represents the manufacturers and installers of blown EPS (expanded polystyrene) bead cavity wall insulation, set up under the auspices of the BPF's EPS Group.

The Chairman of the newly formed National Blown Bead Association (NBBA) and of the EPS Group, David Emes, explains: "Some of the members of the EPS Group are also active in this sector, so it makes sense for the NBBA to come under our banner. The issues however, are very different.

"The entire cavity wall insulation sector is facing a challenging time. There is a dire need for more accountability and for best practice standards to be enforced, so customers can be assured that their properties are properly assessed and the appropriate insulation is installed correctly."

The NBBA currently represents 70% of the sector; its founding members are Domestic & General Insulation, Kay-Metzeler, Moulded Foams and Springvale and two raw material suppliers, BASF and Ineos-Nova.

Each member company of the NBBA is committed to working to improve accountability in the sector. "Installed correctly, EPS bead is a long term, cost effective way of providing excellent cavity wall insulation to new and old properties. Our first priority is to get that message across to architects, surveyors and other specifiers," says David Emes.

At the time of its launch, the NBBA has three core objectives, David Emes explains: "We want to standardise and benchmark installation standards so the performance of blown EPS bead insulation is consistent and reliable.

"Secondly, we will gather and supply accurate technical data on the results of insulating with blown EPS bead, so we can demonstrate that EPS has a clear advantage over alternative products.

"Lastly, we are already talking with associated industry bodies and we hope to work closely with organisations like the BBA and CIGA to develop joint communications and projects that will ensure that benefits of insulating buildings with blown EPS bead are brought to the attention of the construction industry."