Flexible insulation panel with thermal and acoustic performance: MÉTISSE RT 45 mm

MÉTISSE RT 20kg/m3 is a thermal-acoustic insulation made from recycled textile fibres (at least 70% cotton) and 15% polyester binder. These fibres come from clothing collected by Le Relais (Emmaüs network), then transformed into panels through a local, ecological and regulated industrial process. The entire manufacturing cycle is controlled in France, following a circular economy and social inclusion approach.

Why insulate your van with recycled cotton panels?

Insulating your van is essential to ensure good thermal comfort in all seasons, but also to reduce external noise. MÉTISSE RT has the advantage of being a natural insulation, effective against both cold and heat thanks to its excellent thermal lag (superior to mineral wool), but also very effective acoustically. It's a solution without irritant fibres, safe for health, and suitable for installation in a confined space such as a camper van.

What are the advantages of MÉTISSE insulation?

• Excellent thermal performance (λ = 0.039 W/m·K)
• Very good acoustic attenuation (up to 68 dB depending on configuration)
• Flexible, lightweight, easy to cut and install
• No toxic emissions: classified A+ for VOC emissions
• Doesn't scratch: unrivalled installation comfort
• Fire retardant treatment; antifungal and antibacterial (at the textile fibre's core)
• Recycled and recyclable material (recovery of used textiles)
• Manufactured in France with a focus on social responsibility and sustainability

How to install MÉTISSE RT insulation in a van?

We recommend fitting the MÉTISSE RT recycled cotton panels only on the side walls (left and right) and rear doors (or tailgate) of your vehicle using a spray contact adhesive. They can be positioned over a layer of sprayed cork, provided it is completely dry. Then, simply fit a vapour barrier in front of the panels, secured with double-sided adhesive tape, applied directly to the vehicle's metal uprights for good adhesion. This system ensures vapour-tightness whilst maintaining good internal moisture management. The vapour barrier perfectly ensures the insulation's durability!

For the ceiling, we recommend fitting Armaflex AF 19mm (supplied in 6m² rolls) and for the floor 4mm thick cork (supplied in 4m² rolls).

MÉTISSE RT panels are easily cut using a knife with a smooth or serrated blade. The insulation is positioned edge to edge, slightly compressed, butted against the floor and ceiling.

What is MÉTISSE insulation made of?

MÉTISSE RT insulation is composed of 85% recycled textile fibres, the majority being cotton (mainly used jeans). These fibres come from clothing that has been collected, sorted and processed locally by the Le Relais network, in a socially responsible and circular economy approach.

To ensure panel cohesion, the fibres are mixed with 15% heat-fusible polyester binder, which provides good mechanical strength without adding toxic glue. The whole is then durably treated against mould, bacteria and fire, through a complete bath process, directly into the material's core.

Result: healthy insulation, without irritant components, 100% recyclable, and perfectly suited to mobile and eco-friendly accommodation.

Technical specifications of MÉTISSE RT 45 mm

• Thickness: 45 mm.
• Density: 20 kg/m³.
• Thermal resistance (R): 1.15 m²·K/W.
• Thermal conductivity (λ): 0.039 W/(m·K).
• Reaction to fire: Euroclass D-s2,d0 (bare product).
• Moisture resistance: Wp = 3.73 kg/m² (short-term water absorption).
• Water vapour permeability: µ = 1.47.
• Sd value: 0.066 m (45 mm thickness).
• Thickness recovery after compression: 100%.
• Mould resistance: Class 0 (inert environment).
• VOC emissions: A+.
• Panel dimensions: 1200 mm x 600 mm.
• Panel weight: 0.65 kg.
• Sold individually.

These values are taken from ACERMI certificate no. 14/179/918 and tests carried out by approved independent laboratories (CSTB, Eurofins, Conidia, etc.).

How many MÉTISSE RT recycled cotton panels are needed to insulate your van?

The quantity of MÉTISSE RT panels needed depends on your vehicle's dimensions and the surfaces you wish to insulate.

Heode guides you to help you order the right number of 45 mm thick recycled cotton panels needed to insulate your converted vehicle!

In principle:

- 1 MÉTISSE RT panel 45 mm thick measures: 1200 mm (1.2 m) long x 600 mm (0.6 m) wide, i.e. 0.72m².

- Our former Heode expert converters recommend fitting MÉTISSE RT insulation only on the side walls + rear doors (or tailgate).

Now you need to:

- Know your vehicle size: L1H1; L1H2; L2H1; L2H2; etc.

- Know the dimensions (L x W) of the surfaces to be covered with MÉTISSE RT insulation: left + right side walls and rear doors (or tailgate) of your vehicle.

Of course, any surface containing a window or which will soon accommodate a window (before the insulation stage) should not be included in your measurements.

For information, to obtain a surface area in m², you need to perform the following calculation: Length in metres x width in metres (if when you measure your surfaces, you have data in cm, convert them to metres before performing this calculation.)

Once you know the total surface area in m² that you plan to cover with MÉTISSE RT panels, you just need to perform the following calculation: Total surface area in m² / 0.72 m² ≃ Number of MÉTISSE RT panels to order. If you get the result: "4.16" (for example), round it up to the next whole number, i.e. 5 here. The number 5 would correspond to the number of panels to order.

💡 Heode's tip: Always allow for 1 or 2 extra panels for adjustments or potential wastage.

FAQ about MÉTISSE RT insulation in 45 mm panels

Is MÉTISSE RT suitable for insulating a camper van?

Yes! Although originally designed for buildings, MÉTISSE RT is perfectly suitable for van conversions. Its lightness, flexibility, ease of installation and thermal-acoustic properties make it an excellent solution for side walls and rear doors (or tailgate).

Can you fit 45 mm thick MÉTISSE RT insulation panels on the ceiling and floor in a van?

It's not recommended. For the ceiling, a thin, self-adhesive insulation like Armaflex AF 19 mm is more suitable, particularly to limit height loss and facilitate installation. For the floor, prefer 4 mm thick cork in a roll: high-performance, crush-resistant and perfect to avoid the "cold floor" effect. Cork is bonded with a spray adhesive glue.

Can MÉTISSE RT insulation panels be fitted over sprayed cork?

Yes, it's entirely possible! MÉTISSE RT recycled cotton insulation panels can be fitted directly onto a layer of sprayed cork, provided it is completely dry. This ensures good mechanical stability of the panels.

💡 Heode's advice: Wait at least 24 to 48 hours after applying the sprayed cork before fitting your panels, if and only if the humidity and temperature conditions of the drying location are optimal. Discover Soliege spray cork here.

Is it mandatory to fit a vapour barrier with MÉTISSE RT?

Yes, to guarantee the durability of insulation in a van (confined space, condensation, thermal variations). It is essential to install a vapour barrier, such as Intello®, directly on the MÉTISSE RT panels, secured using double-sided adhesive tape.

What is the lifespan of MÉTISSE RT?

Very long! Thanks to its antifungal, antibacterial and fire retardant treatment, as well as its composition of natural fibres bound by polyester, MÉTISSE RT is stable over time. It doesn't settle, doesn't go mouldy, and maintains its performance throughout your van's lifetime (and even beyond).

Does MÉTISSE scratch like fibreglass?

Not at all. Unlike mineral insulation, MÉTISSE RT contains no irritant fibres. It's soft to the touch, easy to handle and doesn't cause itching. You can even install it without gloves, although minimum protection is always recommended (mask/gloves).

Is MÉTISSE RT an eco-friendly product?

Absolutely. It's manufactured in France from recycled used clothing, mainly cotton jeans. It's classified A+ for VOC emissions, contributes to textile waste reduction, and remains 100% recyclable after removal.