Why Our VIP Is “Smart” Insulation: Best-in-Class Performance in Millimetres

What makes our Vacuum Insulation Panel genuinely innovative—and smarter than conventional insulation?

Short answer: performance per millimetre. Thick layers of conventional materials can achieve good U-values—if you have the depth. Our VIPs reach those U-values in a fraction of the thickness, so you keep floor area, window proportions and clean detailing, while cutting heating and cooling demand.

First principles—what are we comparing?

Thermal conductivity (λ): the material property. Lower is better.
Thickness (d): more thickness usually means more resistance.
U-value: heat flow per m² per degree. Lower is better. For a single layer, U≈λ/dU \approx \lambda / dU≈λ/d (films and fixings aside).

Our VIP performance (programme data)

15 mm super-fine fibreglass VIP: λ ≈ 2.5 mW·m⁻¹·K⁻¹, U ≈ 0.16 W·m⁻²·K⁻¹
25 mm fumed-silica VIP: λ ≈ 4.5 mW·m⁻¹·K⁻¹, U ≈ 0.17 W·m⁻²·K⁻¹

These are centre-of-panel values under steady conditions, achieved by combining a deep vacuum (typically <10 Pa), a microporous core, and low-emissivity barrier skins with getter/desiccant for long-term stability.

Conventional benchmarks (typical declared λ)

Rock mineral wool (250 mm used as a reference thickness): λ ≈ 34 mW·m⁻¹·K⁻¹
Glass mineral wool (200 mm reference): λ ≈ 44 mW·m⁻¹·K⁻¹
PIR board (180 mm reference): λ ≈ 22 mW·m⁻¹·K⁻¹
EPS (100 mm reference): λ ≈ 36 mW·m⁻¹·K⁻¹

Conductivity is a material property; thickness is what you need to turn that property into a target U-value. That’s where VIPs change the maths.

The fair comparison: “How thick to hit ~0.17–0.18 W·m⁻²·K⁻¹?”

(Illustrative one-layer calculation, ignoring fixings and surface films for clarity.)

Insulation type	Declared λ (W·m⁻¹·K⁻¹)	Thickness to reach U ≈ 0.18 W·m⁻²·K⁻¹
VIP (fibreglass core)	0.0025	≈ 14 mm
VIP (fumed silica core)	0.0045	≈ 25 mm
PIR board	0.022	≈ 122 mm
Rock mineral wool	0.034	≈ 189 mm
EPS	0.036	≈ 200 mm
Glass mineral wool	0.044	≈ 244 mm

What this shows: to meet a demanding U-value, VIPs need centimetres, while conventional products often need decimetres. In real buildings that difference drives design, cost and comfort.

Why thin matters to designers, QS teams, and occupants

Net internal area preserved. Swapping ~200 mm internal build-ups for ~15–25 mm can protect several square metres in a typical flat—value buyers understand instantly.
Clean reveals and details. Slim profiles keep window proportions, avoid deep sills and soffits, and simplify junctions at stairs, lifts and risers.
Fewer clashes. Services, radiators, cupboards and door swings stay where drawings intended; less rework on site.
Programme certainty. Off-site made-to-size VIPs reduce cut-and-fit variability; faster dry trades, fewer wet works.
Operational savings. Lower U-values reduce heat loss/gain, so HVAC runs softer with fewer hard restarts after short outages. Occupants feel steadier temperatures and lower bills.

“Best thermal performance”—said precisely

Per millimetre, VIPs outperform foams and wools.
In absolute terms, very thick conventional systems can match low U-values, but at the cost of space, weight, and detailing complexity.
In space-constrained or heritage settings, VIPs are often the only practical route to high performance.

Not just numbers—how we make it durable

Deep vacuum (<10 Pa): suppresses gas conduction and convection.
Microporous cores: super-fine fibreglass or fumed silica to minimise solid conduction.
Low-e barriers: reduce radiative transfer.
Dual edge seals + getter/desiccant: manage permeation and outgassing to support an ageing life ≥ 25 years when protected as specified.
Protection by design: cassettes/skins, no-penetration zones, and detailed returns keep the performance you paid for.

Where to use which VIP

15 mm fibreglass VIP (λ ≈ 2.5 mW·m⁻¹·K⁻¹): extremely tight internal linings, reveals, door leaves, cabinet and duct liners, heritage interiors where every millimetre counts.
25 mm fumed-silica VIP (λ ≈ 4.5 mW·m⁻¹·K⁻¹): slim façades, spandrels and panels where a little more depth is acceptable for robust handling.

For façades that must also be the finish, specify our Decorative Integrated Vacuum Panels (DVIP); for fast internal upgrades, see Vacuum Insulated Wallpaper (VIW); for window lines, Vacuum Insulated Curtain (VIC) or the low-power VIHC.

Frequently raised concerns—answered

“Can I cut it on site?”
No. VIPs are sealed vacuum elements. We supply made-to-size panels, including curves, tapers and service cut-outs.

“What about fire performance?”
Fire class is an assembly property. We provide configurations—including A-class façade options—to suit your strategy.

“What if a panel is damaged?”
Modules are protected in use and replaceable. We plan fixings and access so rare interventions are straightforward.

Ready to specify—and want a quick thickness/U-value sketch?

Contact our Customer Service Team for samples, CAD details and tailored pricing.
Prefer a direct conversation? Email or phone Professor Saim Memon to review drawings, performance targets and a room-by-room or façade plan.
Explore full specifications, purchasing steps, videos and FAQs at www.sanyoulondon.com.

Bottom line: if you want top-tier thermal performance without giving up space, our VIPs deliver the U-values you need in the fewest millimetres possible—precise, durable, and ready for real buildings.