The Irish insulation manufacturer Kingspan is once again at the centre of investigations into the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire in London, which claimed 72 lives. New findings reported by ECOreporter highlight ongoing scrutiny of the company's products and documentation practices. The case could force the entire construction sector to overhaul fire safety protocols and material testing procedures.
Kingspan supplied combustible K15 phenolic foam insulation panels that were used in the façade refurbishment of Grenfell Tower, though the product was not certified for use in high-rise cladding systems. Evidence presented to the public inquiry showed that only 5% of the tower's insulation came from Kingspan, yet questions remain about product testing, certification, and sales practices in the years leading up to the disaster.
The implications extend far beyond one manufacturer. Specifiers, architects, and contractors across Europe are re-examining how they assess combustibility data and third-party certifications for curtain wall assemblies. In the UK, the government has already banned combustible materials in the external walls of buildings above 18 metres. Similar regulatory tightening is under discussion in Germany, France, and Ireland.
For insulation suppliers, the Grenfell inquiry has exposed gaps in quality assurance and documentation traceability. Manufacturers including Knauf, Saint-Gobain, and Sto SE have since published updated fire performance data and declared compliance with revised national standards. Kingspan itself has committed to stricter internal testing and transparency measures, though legal proceedings continue.
The shift is also driving demand for non-combustible alternatives such as mineral wool and PIR boards with enhanced fire barriers. Several European countries are now requiring full-scale façade fire tests for multi-layer assemblies, not just single-material classifications. This adds cost and complexity to façade design but is seen as essential to prevent a repeat of Grenfell.
For project teams, the lesson is clear: material data sheets and CE marks alone no longer suffice. Specifiers must verify test reports, ensure products match the tested configuration, and document the entire supply chain. The move towards circular construction must not compromise fire safety, and regulatory bodies are tightening enforcement to ensure compliance.
As the final Grenfell inquiry report is expected later this year, the construction industry braces for stricter liability frameworks and potentially retrospective building audits. The case underscores that fire safety is not a box-ticking exercise but a core responsibility that demands rigorous due diligence at every stage of the build process.
