Pink Batts vs. Knauf vs. Earthwool: Which Insulation Is Best for NZ Homes?

If you’ve ever gone down the rabbit hole of insulation options in New Zealand, you’ll know there’s no shortage of choice. Pink Batts, Knauf, Earthwool, Mammoth, GreenStuff… it’s enough to make your head spin.

But let’s zero in on the three big names most homeowners ask us about: Pink Batts, Knauf, and Earthwool. They all sit in the glasswool camp, they all meet NZ standards, and they’ll all keep your home warmer. So… what’s the actual difference? And which one should you put in your ceiling, walls, or underfloor?

A Quick Intro to the Brands

• Pink Batts: The classic Kiwi choice. Bright pink, been around forever, locally made, and practically synonymous with insulation.
• Knauf: A German company with global reach. Their product range includes Earthwool (which is often what people mean when they say “Knauf insulation”).
• Earthwool: Marketed as the “eco-friendlier” option. Made with recycled glass and using a binder that avoids that scratchy, chemical smell people associate with old-school insulation.

1. Comfort & Installation

Pink Batts:
The traditional version could be a bit itchy, but newer generations are much softer. Still, some installers find it a little more rigid compared to others.

Knauf / Earthwool:
The selling point here is comfort – it’s softer, less itchy, and doesn’t have that “insulation smell.” Installers (and DIYers) love it because it’s easier to handle. If you’re crawling into a tight roof cavity in a villa in Grey Lynn, trust us – this makes a difference.

2. Performance

Here’s the truth: when it comes to performance, the R-value is what matters – not the brand.

• Pink Batts, Knauf, and Earthwool all come in a range of R-values.
• An R3.6 Pink Batt performs the same as an R3.6 Earthwool. Full stop.
• The difference isn’t about warmth – it’s about handling, sustainability, and price.

So don’t get too hung up on brand promises – focus on choosing the right R-value for your home (and budget).

3. Sustainability

Pink Batts: Made locally, which cuts down on shipping emissions.
Earthwool: Often considered the eco pick – up to 80% recycled glass, and a binder that’s free of formaldehyde.
Knauf: Same story as Earthwool – it’s part of the Knauf family and shares the sustainability credentials.

If environmental impact is high on your list, Earthwool/Knauf usually wins points here.

4. Price

This is where things get interesting. Pricing varies depending on supply, job size, and who’s quoting. But as a general rule:

• Pink Batts: Often slightly more affordable because it’s made here in NZ and widely stocked.
• Earthwool / Knauf: Sometimes a touch more expensive, but the difference is usually small.

At Kaiser, we often say: don’t pick purely on price. The cost of insulation is minor compared to the savings on heating bills over time.

5. Local Factors (specific to NZ homes)

• Auckland’s humidity means insulation must resist dampness and mould. All three brands do well here, provided installation is done properly.
• Older villas and bungalows often have tricky ceiling spaces – softer, easier-to-handle products like Earthwool can make installation smoother.
• Healthy Homes compliance doesn’t care about brand – it cares about R-values. Whether you choose Pink Batts, Knauf, or Earthwool, what matters is meeting (or exceeding) the required standards.

So… Which One Should You Choose?

• Pick Pink Batts if you want a proven, locally made, cost-effective option with decades of trust behind it.
• Pick Earthwool/Knauf if you prefer a softer, more eco-friendly product that’s nicer to handle (especially in hard-to-access roof spaces).
• Honestly? You won’t go wrong with either. The real difference comes from the installation: a perfectly installed R3.6 is better than a poorly installed R5.0.

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