Kingspan: Grenfell inquiry findings on K15 insulation, debarment review and criminal file

What the inquiry found on K15

A single 2005 test used to market K15

The Phase 2 report, as summarised by Irish media, found that Kingspan relied on a single 2005 fire test on a system whose components were not representative of a typical external wall. It found Kingspan claimed K15 was part of a successfully tested system, which allowed it to be sold for buildings over 18 metres, and called that a false claim. (2005)

Composition change and failed later tests

The inquiry found Kingspan changed K15's composition in 2006 without disclosing it and that systems using K15 failed fire tests in 2007 and 2008. It found the product was not withdrawn and that the change was concealed from the British Board of Agrement. (2006-2008)

2009 certificate and 'false market' conclusion

The report found Kingspan obtained a certificate in 2009 containing false statements about K15 and used it for many years to sell the product. It concluded that Kingspan knowingly created a false market in insulation for use on buildings over 18 metres. It was published on 4 September 2024. (2009; 4 Sep 2024)

Kingspan withdraws 2005 test reports

The Irish Times reported on 6 November 2020 that Kingspan had asked the Building Research Establishment to withdraw the fire-test reports it had used since K15's launch in 2005. Kingspan said the test had shortcomings and no longer reflected the product it had sold. It told the inquiry it learned K15 was used at Grenfell only after the fire. (Oct-Nov 2020)

Kingspan's response and the company's position

Kingspan says insulation type was immaterial

Kingspan welcomed the report, reiterated what it called wholly unacceptable historical failings in its UK insulation business, and said the report makes clear that whether insulation was combustible or non-combustible was immaterial to how the fire spread. It said those failings do not reflect how the group operates. (4 Sep 2024)

Kingspan says it had no role in the refurbishment

Kingspan has said it had no role in the design of the Grenfell Tower cladding system or its refurbishment and that K15 made up a small share of the insulation in the tower, about 5%, used without its knowledge. It points to the polyethylene-core aluminium composite cladding, which it did not make, as the main cause of the fire's spread. (2018-2024)

Government and criminal process

Government names Kingspan in debarment review

The UK government said it would investigate seven firms, Kingspan among them, to decide whether they should be barred from public contracts for professional misconduct under the Procurement Act 2023. A firm found to have engaged in misconduct would go on a debarment list that contracting authorities must consider. (Feb 2025)

Debarment review paused

Construction News reported that the debarment investigations into the seven firms were paused after the Metropolitan Police and Crown Prosecution Service told the Cabinet Office that continuing could unintentionally prejudice the criminal investigation and any future proceedings. (10 Jul 2025)

Police files passed to prosecutors

The Metropolitan Police said it had sent its Grenfell files to the CPS: 20 files covering 20 organisations and 54 individuals, for offences that include corporate manslaughter, gross negligence manslaughter, health and safety, fraud and misconduct in public office. The CPS has committed to charging decisions before the tenth anniversary of the fire in June 2027. (30 Sep 2026)