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⚡ Part of the No Gap Group - Insulation. Energy. Interiors
⚡ 10,000+ Jobs Completed Annually
⚡ VEU Program Participant
⚡ EEC Corporate Member
⚡ Servicing Victoria & New South Wales
⚡ Upfront Pricing — No Hidden Fees. Ever.
⚡ Licensed & Insured Installers
⚡ 300+ Five-Star Google Reviews

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Ecowool vs Earthwool: Which Insulation Is the Better Choice?

Ecowool and Earthwool are two of the most commonly confused names in Australian insulation — similar branding, similar-sounding names, and both positioned as a softer, more comfortable alternative to traditional glasswool. But they’re made by different companies, using different technology, with genuinely different track records. This guide breaks down exactly how they compare.

What's the Core Difference?

Earthwool is manufactured by Knauf Insulation using ECOSE® Technology, a bio-based binder made from rapidly renewable materials rather than the formaldehyde-based resins used in conventional glasswool.

Ecowool is manufactured by PGF Insulation using SensiTouch Technology, a different but similarly positioned binder incorporating a natural anti-formaldehyde ingredient and low volatile organic compound (VOC) content.

One thing worth clearing up: Ecowool is often described online as a newer entrant to the Australian market, but it’s actually been distributed here for over 13 years. Both products are well-established, not a case of one brand being the newcomer and the other the incumbent.

Thermal Performance

Earthwool offers a thermal range spanning R1.5 through to R8.0 across ceiling, wall and underfloor applications, giving plenty of scope to match the right R-value to a given climate zone.

Ecowool’s range runs R1.5 through to R7.0, certified under AS/NZS 4859:1 and tested to ASTM C518 for thermal conductivity. In practical terms, both products deliver comparable thermal performance and comfortably meet National Construction Code requirements for standard residential builds.

Acoustic Performance

Earthwool’s dedicated acoustic range includes SoundShield, SoundShield Plus and HD SoundShield Plus, each engineered specifically for noise reduction between rooms.

Ecowool doesn’t market a separately branded acoustic tier in the same way, but its standard batts and roof blanket products are positioned as an effective sound barrier, reducing noise transfer in both residential and commercial settings. For anyone specifically prioritising a named, tiered acoustic product range, Earthwool’s SoundShield lineup is the more clearly defined option.

Fire Resistance

Both products are non-combustible and tested against Australian fire safety standards — Earthwool to AS1530.1, Ecowool to AS1530 Part 3. Neither brand positions itself as an extreme fire-rated product in the way Rockwool does, but both comfortably meet standard residential fire-safety requirements, including use around downlights and within roof cavities.

Handling & Installation

This is where the two products are most alike, and it’s part of why the branding confusion persists in the first place. Earthwool markets itself as low dust, low itch and soft to touch. Ecowool makes almost the same pitch — less dust, softer to touch, less itch, plus a “firm friction fit” that’s designed to reduce extra handwork during installation, and a hypoallergenic claim aimed at reducing allergic reactions during handling.

Both are genuinely easier to work with than older-generation fibreglass, and the practical difference between the two in day-to-day handling is minor.

Warranty — the Clearest Point of Difference

This is where the comparison actually separates the two products. Earthwool is backed by a 50-year product warranty. Ecowool is backed by a 70-year product warranty — a full 20 years longer.

For anyone weighing up long-term value over raw performance specs, this is the single most concrete, checkable difference between the two brands, and it’s rarely mentioned in other comparisons of the two products.

Environmental Credentials

Earthwool carries Global GreenTag GreenRate Level A certification and DECLARE Red List Free status, alongside its ECOSE bio-based binder. Ecowool’s SensiTouch Technology also uses a natural anti-formaldehyde ingredient and low VOC content, and the product is described as chemically inert.

On the specific point of publicly listed third-party green-building certifications, Earthwool currently carries a more extensive documented trail. That doesn’t mean Ecowool is a lesser environmental choice, but for anyone specifically chasing GreenStar, Homestar, LEED or NABERS credits tied to named certifications, Earthwool’s paperwork is easier to point to.

Availability & Track Record

Earthwool is manufactured locally in Australia as part of the global Knauf Group, with broad national distribution. Ecowool, distributed through PGF Insulation, has been available in Australia for over 13 years but is currently limited to Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia.

Neither product is a newcomer, and both have a genuine, established track record in the Australian market.

Which Product Suits Which Project?

  • Longest warranty is the priority — Ecowool’s 70-year warranty is the clear winner.
  • A documented green-building certification trail matters (GreenStar, Homestar, LEED, NABERS credits) — Earthwool currently has the more extensive certification list.
  • A specific, tiered acoustic product range is needed — Earthwool’s SoundShield lineup is more clearly defined.
  • The project is outside QLD, NSW, VIC or WA — Earthwool’s broader national distribution makes it the easier option to source.

For most standard residential projects within Ecowool’s service states, either product will perform well — the decision often comes down to warranty length versus certification depth rather than a clear performance gap.

The Verdict

Both Ecowool and Earthwool are genuinely comparable, well-established glasswool products — soft to handle, formaldehyde-free-adjacent, and capable of meeting standard Australian thermal and fire requirements. Ecowool’s standout edge is its 70-year warranty. Earthwool’s standout edge is its broader certification trail and clearly tiered SoundShield acoustic range.

For a closer look at how Earthwool stacks up against a very different type of insulation, see the full breakdown in Earthwool vs Rockwool. Browse the complete Earthwool insulation range to find the right product and R-value for a given project.

FAQS

Earthwool is formaldehyde-free and certified DECLARE Red List Free, meaning it contains no chemicals known to pose serious health risks. Rockwool doesn't use a binder resin at all, so it also avoids formaldehyde exposure, though its higher density can make loose fibres more noticeable during handling. Both are considered safe when installed with standard protective gear.
Not necessarily, it depends on the frequency. Rockwool's density gives it a genuine edge for low-frequency sound absorption, which matters for studios or heavy machinery noise. For everyday residential sound like conversation or footsteps, Earthwool's SoundShield range performs comparably well.
Broadly yes, though Rockwool shouldn't be compressed during installation, since that reduces its insulating capability. Earthwool can be compressed for transport and handling without losing performance once it's expanded back into place.
For most standard residential projects without a specific fire-rating requirement, Earthwool delivers comparable thermal and acoustic performance for meaningfully less cost. Rockwool's price premium tends to be worth it specifically where its higher fire resistance is a genuine requirement.
Earthwool, generally. Its low dust, low itch, soft-to-touch formula is specifically designed to be easier to cut and handle than denser mineral wool products like Rockwool.

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John Fraser
1 year ago
Arthur and team were great. From quick turnaround on quotes to sending the team up and getting the job done in a day. It's already feeling better in the house.
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Asha d'Arville
1 year ago
We've had a really good experience with NoGap. After struggling to even get calls back from other providers, Arthur at No Gap was speedy with a quote, communicative, and really helpful in setting us up for our insulation removal and replacement. The work team were lovely, worked incredibly hard, and were on time and cleaned up after themselves. Cannot fault the team, and the house is already feeling more comfortable, and even more quiet with the new insulation.
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Paul Christian Asuncion
1 year ago
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Christian Munari
1 year ago
Very happy with the service. Arthur was easy to deal with, and the team that came out provided and installed roofing insulation in a thorough, professional and efficient manner.
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Theo Gidis
1 year ago
Helpful salesperson (Arthur), quick, efficient installation, job done very well, price very competitive. Can’t ask for anything more from a supplier/installer. Thanks Arthur and team!
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Zerocool Crash and Burn
1 year ago
No Gap Insulation - We are so happy with the service provided by No gap insulation. Arthur was especially help from the start to the completion of the service, stepping us through every decision. Highly recommended.
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1 year ago
Hi, we really appreciate you taking the time to leave a positive review! Your feedback means a lot to us as we continually strive for excellence. Thanks for your recommendation!
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geoff grace
1 year ago
Thank you for the assistance
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1 year ago
Hi Geoff, we really appreciate you taking the time to leave a positive review! Your feedback means a lot to us as we continually strive for excellence. Thanks for your recommendation!
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Andrew Tan
1 year ago
We recently engaged No Gap Insulation and found the whole process, from quotation through to installation, absolutely seamless. Arthur was my single point of contact throughout — he was professional, responsive to my queries, and made everything straightforward. The work involved removing and disposing of the existing insulation batts and installing new ones. The team was very thorough, and I appreciated being shown clear before-and-after photos to see the difference. Overall, an excellent experience — highly recommended.
Response from the owner
1 year ago
Hi Andrew, we really appreciate you taking the time to leave a positive review! Your feedback means a lot to us as we continually strive for excellence. Thanks for your recommendation!
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Thibault ledesma
1 year ago
Great service overall. Arthur and his team with Jacob were very efficient and professional.
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1 year ago
Hi Thibault, we really appreciate you taking the time to leave a positive review! Your feedback means a lot to us as we continually strive for excellence. Thanks for your recommendation!
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Neels Holtzhausen
1 year ago
We highly recommend the guys at No Gap. Good price, great service. After one month we can already see the savings on our gas bill and feel the difference it makes inside. We should have done this years ago..
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1 year ago
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