Two brands dominate the Australian insulation market: Pink Batts and Earthwool. If you're upgrading your Melbourne home, you've almost certainly come across both - even Bunnings has them both! They look similar, perform similarly, and cost similarly.
So which one should you choose - and does it even really matter?
What are Pink Batts?
Pink Batts are manufactured by Fletcher Insulation, and Australian Owned and listed company, and have been insulating Australian homes for over 50 years. Made from recycled glass spun into fine fibres, they're available in ceiling, wall, underfloor and acoustic options across the full range of R-values from R1.5 to R6.0. The distinctive pink colour isn't just branding - it's the result of the glass fibre manufacturing process.
What is Earthwool?
Earthwool is manufactured by Knauf Insulation, a privately owned German company, and is also a glasswool product. Made in south east asia, the key difference Knauf promotes is their binder - a bio-based binder they claim makes the product softer to handle and less irritating to skin. Earthwool is typically off-white or light brown in colour and is available in a comparable range of R-values and product types.
Thermal performance: essentially identical
At the same R-value, Pink Batts and Earthwool deliver the same thermal performance. That's it. Both are glasswool products with comparable density and thermal resistance. If you install Pink Batts R6.0 and Earthwool R6.0 in identical Melbourne homes, the energy outcome will be the same. The R-value is what does the work - not the brand name or the colour or binder.
This is the most important thing to understand before getting drawn into the marketing debate. A Pink Batts R6.0 ceiling will always outperform an Earthwool R4.0 ceiling, regardless of claimed itch factor or binder.
The itch-factor debate
Knauf markets Earthwool as a softer, less irritating product thanks to ECOSE Technology. In practice, both products suggest the identical PPE during installation - long sleeves, gloves, safety glasses and a P2 respirator. Modern Pink Batts have significantly reduced their itch factor compared to first generations of glasswool in the 70's. If you're installing either product correctly with full PPE, itch factor is largely irrelevant.
Price comparison
In the Melbourne market, Pink Batts and Earthwool are typically within 5-10% of each other at equivalent R-values. Neither is dramatically cheaper, though Pink Batts' wider distribution and higher production volume means they're often the more competitive option for larger orders.
Availability in Melbourne
Pink Batts have broader and more consistent availability across Victoria in the full R-value range. Earthwool availability can vary by supplier and region, which can cause delays on larger projects if your preferred R-value is out of stock.
Ease of Install
This is where the major difference lies. Pink batts are firmer to handle, which means they fit into walls and ceilings with a 'friction fit'. This speeds up install dramatically and is why it's the builders first choice. Earthwool is soft and floppy, which means it requires strapping to keep in place in walls and also has a tendency to fall apart more than Pink Batts. This can also compromise the long term thermal performance of the insulation if not installed correctly.
Acoustic performance
Both brands offer dedicated acoustic variants (Pink Batts Sound Shield and Earthwool Sound Shield) for internal walls. Performance at equivalent R-values and densities is comparable. If noise reduction is your priority, focus on the product's weighted sound reduction index (Rw rating) rather than the brand.
Summary Between Earthwool and PinkBatts
| Knauff Earthwool | Fletchers Pink Batts | |
| Made From | Glasswool | Glasswool |
| Manufactured Country | Malaysia (imported) | Australia (locally made) |
| Thermal Performance | As claimed | As claimed |
| Fibres | Softer fibres | Firmer fibres |
| Pack Size | Larger (harder to handle) | Smaller (easier to handle) |
| DIY Friendly | Yes | Yes |
| Price per sqm | Slightly Higher | Slightly Lower |
| Availability | Sold everywhere | Sold everywhere |
| Ease of Install | Floppy (requires strapping) | Firmer (no strapping required) |
| Has a Codemark of conformity | No | Yes |
The verdict
For Melbourne homeowners, the honest answer is: both products are excellent and the R-value you choose matters far more than the brand. Choose Pink Batts R6.0 over Earthwool R4.0 every time. Choose the brand that's in stock, competitively priced, and available in the right pack size for your project.
If you have a strong preference for Earthwool, buy it. If you're focused on price, availability and getting the job done efficiently, Pink Batts delivers everything you need - and has been doing so in Melbourne homes for over half a century.