Toledo, Ohio-based manufacturer Owens Corning announced it has started manufacturing zero ozone-depleting Foamular Extruded Polystyrene (XPS) rigid foam insulation. The new blowing agent technology developed by the company meets the requirements of the Montreal Protocol that requires the phase-out of the hydrochlorofluorocarbon 142b, an ozone-depleting compound, by January 1, 2010.

The company’s new Gresham plant is the first facility in the Western U.S. to meet the requirements of the Montreal Protocol and expands the company's XPS foam production capabilities. The company also has converted its Rockford, Ill., insulation plant to use the new blowing agent, and all Foamular products will meet the requirements of the conversion deadline.

“High performance homes and buildings are an ever-growing segment of the construction industry, and Owens Corning is committed to helping architects, builders, contractors and specifiers consistently meet and prosper from this demand,” said Joe Ochoa, Foam Business general manager, Owens Corning.