Gypsum industry news

UAE: French-based Saint-Gobain Gyproc’s Habito gypsum wallboard has received the Green Product of the Year Award at the Middle East and North Africa Green Building Awards for setting standards in environmentally friendly production. Saint-Gobain says that sustainability is at the core of its long-term strategy.

US: CertainTeed has launched its new Habito wallboard, which it says is the strongest and hardest 1/2-inch (12.5mm) wallboard on the market.

Dave Engelhardt, President of CertainTeed Gypsum, said that the product helps eliminate the frustration homeowners have when hanging heavy objects as Habito can hold heavy objects without involving anchors or wall studs.

"Habito continues our emphasis on providing innovative products that offer practical solutions to builders and homeowners," said Engelhardt. The manufacturer pointed to the following features:

• Fastening capability: Fixing capabilities that eliminate the need for threaded wallboard anchors or nailing to wall studs for fixtures under 13.6kg.
• Builder and developer upgrades: Offers professionals an upmarket option, replacing standard wallboard in high-traffic and high-impact areas of the home.
• Better acoustics: Delivers homeowners better sound insulation than traditional wallboard.