It’s been a quarter defined by global market volatility and escalating trade disruption.

The impact remains difficult to predict. Decisions being taken outside our industry, and beyond these shores, will shape the prognosis for the rest of the year. The longer uncertainty continues, the more damaging for construction confidence.

Look beyond the macro context and the fundamentals for mineral wool insulation demand remain sound. It still sits at the heart of several national priorities – boosting housebuilding, improving health, reducing carbon emissions and increasing energy independence. Britain will build on mineral wool.

In unsure times, we look for certainties. Here’s one for 2025: recommending the right product for the application will be more important than ever this year.

Construction scrutiny is increasing, with accountability more readily assigned across the supply chain. And thanks to advances in technology, it’s never been easier for building owners (or regulators) to detect when a product isn’t performing, or the wrong solution has been used.

At the same time, the industry is asking more from construction products, and in new ways. What makes ‘the right product’ is changing as regulations and market expectations shift. For example, insulation specifiers now consider not just thermal performance, but how it contributes to fire safety, noise reduction, durability, and building sustainability. Add product availability and secure and stable supply chains into the mix too. The right product is on site at the right time to maintain the project schedule.

For merchants, this trend means two things. Being ready to offer more detailed advice on product suitability, and stocking the right mix of specialist solutions and reliable staples to meet a wider range of customer needs.

For our part, we’ll continue to invest in tools and resources to help with the former, and product development and manufacturing capacity to enable the latter.  Merchants can rely on mineral wool insulation.