Blogs

• 10th February 202610th February 2026
• By Vooba
• 0 Comments

The future of industrial insulation

Key trends shaping what comes next

Industrial insulation does a lot of heavy lifting, even if it’s rarely noticed. It protects people, processes and equipment and allows systems to run reliably.

As industries move towards higher temperatures and tougher sustainability targets, insulation materials are evolving to meet new challenges. So, what does the future of industrial insulation look like? Here are the key trends shaping what comes next.

Lighter insulation without compromising performance

Many industries are working to reduce weight wherever possible. In aerospace, automotive and battery systems, lighter components improve efficiency and help equipment last longer.

Insulation is no exception. New materials are replacing older, heavier options, offering the same level of protection in a thinner, lighter form. Mica-based laminates and microporous insulation work well here, especially in compact designs where space and weight really matter.

Meeting the demand for higher temperature resistance

Industrial processes are running hotter than ever before. Foundries, furnaces, petrochemical plants and glass production all rely on insulation that can handle extreme heat for long periods of time.

Future insulation needs to stay stable at these temperatures without breaking down or becoming unsafe. Mica naturally performs well in hot environments, continuing to provide heat resistance and fire protection when other materials struggle. Better high-temperature insulation also helps reduce heat loss, which can lower energy use and running costs.

Sustainability and recyclable insulation materials

Pressure to cut emissions, waste, and energy use is growing across every industry. Insulation is playing a part by lasting longer, using materials more efficiently and reducing the need for frequent replacement.

Natural materials like mica can support these goals. When responsibly sourced, mica offers long service life and reliable performance, helping businesses reduce waste and work towards net-zero targets.

Smarter insulation for improved safety

Insulation is starting to work alongside monitoring systems that track temperature and performance during operation.

This is particularly useful in furnaces, battery systems and continuous processes. Early signs of overheating or insulation damage can improve safety, prevent unplanned shutdowns and allow maintenance to be planned rather than reactive. As monitoring becomes more common, insulation will increasingly be designed to support these systems.

Supporting electrification and battery systems

The move towards electrification is changing what insulation needs to do. Batteries, power electronics and electric vehicles produce a lot of heat and operate at high voltages, often in very tight spaces.

Insulation in these systems must control heat, provide electrical separation and offer fire protection all at the same time. Mica-based insulation is widely used here because it combines strong electrical insulation with high temperature resistance.

Fire protection remains a priority

Fire protection remains a key concern across many industries. Insulation materials must perform under fire conditions without releasing harmful fumes or failing when they are needed most.

Mica-based and microporous insulation is commonly used in fire doors, cable protection, data recorders and other safety-critical areas. Ongoing development is focused on improving fire performance while reducing thickness and overall weight.

The value of bespoke insulation solutions

As industrial systems become more complex, standard insulation products don’t always fit the job. Many applications now need insulation designed around specific temperatures and safety requirements.

Custom mica components and laminates allow engineers to get the right balance of performance, reliability, and cost, even in demanding conditions.

The future is lighter, stronger and more sustainable

The future of industrial insulation is lighter, more efficient, and better suited to modern demands, while still quietly doing its job in the background. As industries evolve, insulation will remain essential to safety and reliable long-term operation.

For businesses looking to improve efficiency, strengthen safety and stay ready for what comes next, insulation deserves far more attention than it usually gets. Call 020 8520 2248 or contact us via the website to find out more.

• 9th February 20269th February 2026
• By Vooba
• 0 Comments

How advanced insulation protects both people and infrastructure

When an industrial furnace runs too hot or an EV battery begins to fail, in environments like these, problems rarely stay small. Heat builds up and electrical systems come under strain. Left unchecked, that combination can quickly put people and equipment at risk.

This is where advanced insulation makes a difference. Mica-based insulation works in the background, stopping minor issues from turning into serious failures.

Here’s how mica-based insulation protects both people and the critical systems we depend on every day.

What makes mica valuable?

Mica has a set of properties that make it especially suited to demanding applications. It can withstand extreme temperatures where many other materials break down, providing reliable protection. It’s also electrically non-conductive and remains stable under high voltage.

On top of that, mica holds up well under mechanical stress, vibrations, rapid temperature changes and exposure to chemicals. It can be used on its own or combined with other materials and manufactured in many different forms – from flat sheets and tubes to high-performance panels.

How mica works behind the scenes

At Elmelin, we don’t just offer standard insulation sheets and hope they’ll do the job. Every project is backed by decades of manufacturing experience and strict quality control.

We also work with advanced microporous insulation, which can be combined with mica to deliver excellent thermal performance where space is tight, weight matters or temperatures are extreme.

All of our manufacturing processes follow strict quality and safety standards, backed by our ISO 9001:2015 accreditation, ensuring reliability and compliance across industries.

Where protection matters most

Mica-based insulation is used across many industries, often in places most people never see.

Industrial furnaces, foundries and steel

In foundries and steelworks, furnaces operate at incredibly high temperatures. Mica laminates and microporous boards help keep linings stable and extend the life of equipment. Special safety layers can even provide early warning signs of wear or damage before a failure occurs.

Automotive and electric vehicle industry

In the automotive world, and especially in electric vehicles, managing heat and high voltage is critical. Rigid mica and composite insulation help control battery temperatures and maintain electrical safety, reducing the risk of overheating or thermal runaway.

Aerospace and transport

Aerospace and transport applications demand materials that are lightweight, dependable and able to perform under extreme conditions. Mica is used as a thermal barrier to protect sensitive electronics and data recorders. In mass transport and other high-risk settings, it also plays an important role in fire protection and passenger safety.

Power electronics and electrical systems

Power electronics and electrical systems rely on insulation that can cope with heat and electrical stress over long periods of time. Mica-based tubes and components provide long-lasting protection in equipment where failure isn’t an option.

Consumer appliances and everyday equipment

Even in everyday appliances, like ovens, kettles, and hairdryers, mica insulation helps ensure electrical safety and thermal stability. It allows manufacturers to meet strict safety standards without sacrificing performance or design.

Compliance and responsibility

Meeting safety standards isn’t optional. Fire protection rules and industrial requirements all depend on insulation that performs reliably over time.

Mica-based solutions help organisations meet these demands by providing fire-resistant, non-combustible materials, dependable electrical insulation for high-voltage systems, and thermal stability that prevents overheating and mechanical damage. They also support a quality-focused supply chain, backed by certified manufacturing processes.

Thinking about your system

If your system runs hot, carries high voltage, or needs to perform reliably for decades under stress, insulation shouldn’t be an afterthought. In many cases, mica-based or microporous insulation is the hidden factor that makes long-term safety and stability possible.

Invisible material, visible impact

You may never see insulation at work, but its impact is very real. Advanced mica-based materials help protect people, preserve infrastructure, support compliance, and keep systems running safely under extreme conditions.

If you’re responsible for a project where temperature, electricity, safety, or regulation matters, choosing the right insulation shouldn’t be an afterthought.

Get in touch

At Elmelin, we’ve spent more than a century turning a humble mineral into powerful protection. What started in 1912 as a small mica-processing site in Walthamstow, London, has evolved into a global leader in high-performance thermal and electrical insulation.

Today, our materials help safeguard everything from industrial furnaces and EV battery packs to aerospace systems and heavy-duty machinery. Our solutions work quietly in the background, keeping people safe and equipment running smoothly.

To discuss how mica could help your project meet safety, performance and compliance goals, get in touch with the team at Elmelin.

Call 020 8520 2248 or contact us via the website – we’re here to help.

• 1st October 202028th January 2026
• By Christian
• 0 Comments

Industry Update: Foundry and Steel

The global foundry and steel industry is massive, 112.7m tons of metal castings are produced globally every year. In Europe alone, 290,000 are employed in the foundry industry. 

As has been the case in many other industries, foundry and steel has experienced the impact of COVID-19 on production, supply chains and consumer demand. With foundry being one of the sectors we work with most frequently, we wanted to examine the current climate in the industry and the outlook for the coming months.  …

• 26th August 202028th January 2026
• By Christian
• 0 Comments

Heat dissipation and insulation: what you need to know

Heat dissipation is an unavoidable but nonetheless negative side effect of a number of processes in a range of industries – from forging steel to powering an electric vehicle. Heat dissipation and insulation both need to be considered for ensuring maximum safety.

A number of factors can affect heat transfer. It’s important to understand what these factors and outcomes are in order to find the right way to address the heat dissipation with the right insulation.

Here’s what you need to know about heat dissipation, and how thermal insulation can help address it.

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• 19th August 202011th October 2022
• By Christian
• 0 Comments

Building a resilient supply chain

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have been felt keenly across the global economy. Combining this with large shifts in geopolitical policy, every single industry has been impacted, and has been experiencing delays and problems with their supply chain. The US is entrenching an ever-deepening trade war with China and the UK has decided to leave the European Union. Therefore for many manufacturing companies, building a resilient supply chain will become more critical than ever. …

• 1st May 202028th July 2021
• By Christian
• 0 Comments

What are the types of dielectric material?

When it comes to selecting the right insulation solution for an electrical application, it’s important to understand the dielectric capabilities and properties of the material or materials being used. 

A dielectric material is one which is a poor conductor of electricity, but can support electrostatic fields. This means that if the material is exposed to an external electric field, the substance becomes polarized. This allows it to store electric charge, making it a poor conductor, but a good storage medium.  …

• 2nd April 202023rd January 2024
• By Christian
• 0 Comments

What is insulation resistance? 5 things to know

Maintaining the right level of insulation resistance is vital in many industries which use machinery that operates at high voltages. A whole host of external factors can have an effect on the performance of insulation – general wear and tear, equipment damage, moisture, corrosive vapours, and of course – prolonged exposure to extremely high temperatures. From a design perspective, it’s very important that you understand the requirements of your high voltage application, the most important insulation material resistance of course being electrical resistance. However, in these applications, temperature and fire rating also have an important role to play.

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