Owens Corning Trust
The Owens Corning/Fibreboard Asbestos Personal Injury Trust is one of the largest asbestos bankruptcy trusts in the United States, with combined initial funding of $4.9 billion and over 809,000 claims received since its establishment. The trust currently pays 4.7% of scheduled values for Owens Corning exposures and 3.7% for Fibreboard exposures, with mesothelioma claimants receiving approximately $10,105 from the Owens Corning subfund. Owens Corning, famous for its trademarked pink fiberglass insulation and iconic Pink Panther mascot, manufactured asbestos-containing insulation products from the 1950s through the 1970s that exposed hundreds of thousands of workers to deadly asbestos fibers. The trust maintains approximately $1.8 billion in current assets and has distributed over $1.5 billion in compensation to asbestos victims.
Owens Corning Trust at a glance:
- $4.9 billion initial funding — combined Owens Corning ($1.5B) and Fibreboard ($3.4B) subfunds make this one of the largest asbestos trusts ever established
- 809,000+ claims received — the trust has processed one of the highest volumes of asbestos injury claims in the U.S. trust system
- 436,800+ claims paid — over half of all received claims have been resolved and compensation distributed
- 4.7% Owens Corning / 3.7% Fibreboard payment rates — separate percentages apply to each subfund based on the source of exposure
- $215,000 mesothelioma scheduled value — yielding an actual payout of approximately $10,105 at the current 4.7% rate
- 20,500+ approved exposure sites — the 2025 Approved Site List documents locations across the U.S. where OC asbestos products were installed or used
- $1.8 billion in remaining assets — the trust is projected to remain operational for 10-20+ years at current payment levels
- $1.5+ billion already distributed — total compensation paid to asbestos victims since the trust's formation
- Document destruction began April 15, 2025 — despite objections from 15 state Attorneys General, the trust started destroying records over 10 years old
| ⛔ URGENT: Document Destruction Notice On January 15, 2025, the Owens Corning Trust announced plans to destroy claim records and documentation on a rolling basis. Despite objections from 15 state Attorneys General, destruction began April 15, 2025. File your claim immediately to ensure your exposure evidence is preserved in the trust's records. |
Key Facts: Owens Corning Trust
| Metric | Finding |
|---|---|
| Trust Structure | Combined Owens Corning/Fibreboard Trust operating two separate subfunds with independent payment percentages and asset pools |
| Initial Funding | $4.9 billion combined — $1.5 billion Owens Corning subfund plus $3.4 billion Fibreboard subfund (SEC bankruptcy filings) |
| Total Distributed | Over $1.5 billion paid to asbestos victims since trust establishment, with $360 million distributed within the first two years alone |
| Claims Received | Over 809,000 unliquidated claims received, representing one of the highest claim volumes in the U.S. asbestos trust system |
| Claims Paid | Approximately 436,800 claims resolved and compensation distributed — a 54% resolution rate of all received claims |
| Owens Corning Payment Rate | 4.7% of scheduled values for Owens Corning product exposures (2025 actuarial review) |
| Fibreboard Payment Rate | 3.7% of scheduled values for Fibreboard Corporation product exposures (2025 actuarial review) |
| Mesothelioma Scheduled Value | $215,000 — yielding approximately $10,105 (OC subfund) or $7,955 (Fibreboard subfund) per mesothelioma claim |
| Remaining Assets | Approximately $1.8 billion in combined trust corpus, projected to sustain operations for 10-20+ years at current payment rates |
| Approved Exposure Sites | 20,500+ documented U.S. locations on the 2025 Approved Site List where Owens Corning asbestos products were installed or used |
| Document Destruction | Rolling destruction of claim records 10+ years old began April 15, 2025, despite formal objections from 15 state Attorneys General |
| Company History | Founded 1938 in Toledo, Ohio; trademarked the color PINK in 1987; first Fortune 500 list member in 1955; asbestos products manufactured 1950s-1970s |
What Was Owens Corning and How Did It Become an Asbestos Manufacturer?
Owens Corning is one of America's most recognizable building materials companies, famous for its trademarked pink insulation and the Pink Panther mascot that has represented the brand for over four decades. However, beneath this friendly marketing image lies a darker history of asbestos product manufacturing that exposed hundreds of thousands of workers to deadly fibers.
How Was Owens Corning Founded?
Owens Corning was formed through a joint venture between two major American glassmakers:
Parent Companies:
- Corning Glass Works - Founded by Amory Houghton, Sr. in 1851
- Owens-Illinois - Incorporated in 1907 through a merger of Owens Bottle Company and Illinois Glass Company
Corporate Timeline:
- 1935: Owens-Corning Fiberglas Company formed as a partnership
- 1938: Became a separate, independent company headquartered in Toledo, Ohio
- 1938: First year sales reached $2.6 million
- 1952: Company went public on the New York Stock Exchange
- 1955: Made the first Fortune 500 list (has appeared every year since)
| ℹ️ The Pink Panther Story: In 1956, Owens Corning began adding red dye to its naturally tan fiberglass insulation to distinguish it from competitors. On May 12, 1987, the company became the first in history to trademark a color (PINK®). The Pink Panther partnership began on August 15, 1980—one of the longest-running promotional relationships in corporate history, now spanning over 40 years. |
What Asbestos Products Did Owens Corning Manufacture?
Owens Corning incorporated asbestos into insulation and building materials from the 1950s through the 1970s. The company's asbestos product lines included:
Primary Asbestos-Containing Products:
- Fiberglass insulation containing asbestos (1950s-1970s) - Residential and commercial applications
- Kaylo boiler and pipe insulation - Extensively used in naval vessels and industrial settings
- Various other asbestos-containing construction materials
Peak Exposure Period: The heaviest use of Owens Corning asbestos products occurred during construction booms from the 1950s through the 1970s, coinciding with massive residential development, industrial expansion, and naval shipbuilding.
| "The irony of Owens Corning is that the same pink insulation that became a symbol of home comfort was causing deadly diseases in the workers who installed it. We've represented families who trusted that pink color as a sign of quality, never knowing the earlier products contained asbestos." — Paul Danziger, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano |
Where Were Workers Exposed to Owens Corning Asbestos Products?
The Owens Corning Trust's 2025 Approved Site List documents over 20,500 locations across the United States where the company's asbestos products were installed, manufactured, or used. This extensive documentation makes proving exposure significantly easier for claimants.
What Types of Locations Are on the Approved Site List?
Residential Construction:
- Single-family homes built 1950s-1970s
- Apartment complexes and multi-family housing
- Housing developments nationwide
Commercial Buildings:
- Office buildings and retail spaces
- Schools and universities
- Hospitals and healthcare facilities
- Hotels and hospitality properties
Industrial Facilities:
- Manufacturing plants
- Power generation stations
- Oil refineries and chemical plants
- Steel mills and foundries
Naval and Maritime:
- Naval shipyards (Kaylo insulation extensively used)
- Commercial shipbuilding facilities
- Maritime repair operations
Manufacturing Facilities: Owens Corning operated approximately 44 manufacturing facilities across North America and Europe. Workers at these plants faced direct occupational exposure during production.
| ✅ Documentation Advantage: The 20,500+ approved site list significantly streamlines the claims process. If your workplace or exposure location appears on this list, proving exposure to Owens Corning products becomes substantially easier. |
What Lawsuits and Verdicts Led to the Owens Corning Bankruptcy?
Owens Corning faced decades of litigation before its eventual bankruptcy filing, with several landmark cases revealing the company's knowledge of asbestos dangers.
What Were the Key Lawsuits Against Owens Corning?
Barry v. Owens Corning Fiberglass Corporation (1992): This pivotal case provided detailed documentation showing how Owens Corning concealed asbestos dangers from employees and consumers. The evidence uncovered in this litigation helped establish the foundation for the eventual trust fund formation.
1997 Widows' Case: The widows of three construction workers who died from asbestos-related illnesses won their case on appeal, receiving $13 million in total damages. Tragically, all three men died before the case concluded.
1997 Landmark Verdict: A plaintiff suffering from mesothelioma was awarded:
- $31 million in punitive damages
- $1.8 million in compensatory damages
The jury agreed that Owens Corning had been aware of asbestos risks for more than three decades while continuing to sell dangerous products.
| "The court documents from these Owens Corning cases are damning. Internal memos showed executives discussing asbestos dangers while simultaneously approving marketing campaigns targeting homeowners. These documents help us build stronger cases for our clients today." — Rod De Llano, Founding Partner, Danziger & De Llano |
How Was the Owens Corning/Fibreboard Trust Established?
The Owens Corning/Fibreboard Asbestos Personal Injury Trust was established through bankruptcy proceedings to provide compensation to asbestos victims while allowing the company to continue operations.
What Is the Trust Structure?
The trust operates as a combined entity with two separate subfunds:
Owens Corning Subfund:
- Initial funding: $1.5 billion
- Current payment percentage: 4.7%
- For exposures to Owens Corning branded products
Fibreboard Subfund:
- Initial funding: $3.4 billion
- Current payment percentage: 3.7%
- For exposures to Fibreboard Corporation products
Combined Total: $4.9 billion in initial funding
How Has the Trust Performed?
Claims Statistics:
- Over 809,000 unliquidated claims received since establishment
- Approximately 436,800 claims paid
- Over $1.4-1.5 billion distributed to asbestos victims
- Within two years of trust creation, paid out more than $360 million
Current Financial Position:
- Approximately $1.8 billion in remaining assets
- Trust projected to remain operational for 10-20+ years at current payment rates
What Compensation Can You Receive from the Owens Corning Trust?
The Owens Corning Trust uses scheduled payment values based on disease severity, with actual payments calculated as a percentage of these scheduled amounts.
Current Scheduled Values and Payouts
| Disease Category | Scheduled Value | OC Payment (4.7%) | Fibreboard (3.7%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesothelioma | $215,000 | ~$10,105 | ~$7,955 |
| Lung Cancer | Varies by level | 4.7% of scheduled | 3.7% of scheduled |
| Severe Asbestosis | Varies by level | 4.7% of scheduled | 3.7% of scheduled |
| Pleural Disease | Lower scheduled values | 4.7% of scheduled | 3.7% of scheduled |
| ✅ Multiple Trust Strategy: While individual Owens Corning payments may seem modest, most mesothelioma victims qualify for 5-15 different trust funds. Combined recoveries from multiple trusts typically total $300,000-$500,000, with exceptional cases exceeding $1 million from trust funds alone. |
Who Qualifies for Owens Corning Trust Claims?
To file a claim with the Owens Corning Trust, claimants must establish:
1. Diagnosed Asbestos-Related Disease:
- Mesothelioma (pleural, peritoneal, or other types)
- Asbestos-related lung cancer
- Asbestosis
- Pleural disease or pleural plaques
- Other qualifying asbestos conditions
2. Documented Exposure to Owens Corning Products:
- Occupational exposure during installation, removal, or work near OC products
- Secondary exposure through family member's contaminated work clothing
- Residential exposure in homes with OC asbestos insulation
- Exposure at one of the 20,500+ approved sites
3. Compliance with Filing Deadlines:
- Statute of limitations varies by state (typically 2-3 years from diagnosis)
- Trust may apply specific filing requirements
- Contact an experienced attorney to verify deadlines
| "My husband installed insulation for 30 years—that pink stuff was everywhere on his clothes when he came home. I didn't know I was being exposed too. Now I help other families understand that secondary exposure claims are just as valid as direct workplace claims." — Anna Jackson, Client Advocate, Danziger & De Llano |
Which Occupations Had the Highest Owens Corning Exposure?
Workers in the following occupations faced the greatest risk of exposure to Owens Corning asbestos products:
Construction Trades:
- Insulation installers and removers
- General contractors and construction laborers
- Drywall installers and finishers
- Carpenters and framers
- Roofers
Industrial Workers:
- Shipyard workers (Kaylo insulation exposure)
- Boilermakers and pipefitters
- HVAC technicians
- Industrial maintenance workers
- Power plant employees
Manufacturing:
- Owens Corning factory workers
- Quality control inspectors
- Warehouse and shipping personnel
- Maintenance staff at OC facilities
Residential Exposure:
- Homeowners during renovation projects
- DIY installers and remodelers
- Family members of construction workers
How Do You File a Claim with the Owens Corning Trust?
Claim Review Options
Expedited Review:
- Faster processing (typically 90 days to 4 months)
- Fixed payment based on disease category
- Best for straightforward cases with clear documentation
Individual Review:
- Longer processing (4-12+ months)
- Potential for higher compensation
- Case-specific evaluation of severity, losses, and exposure extent
Required Documentation
Medical Evidence:
- Pathology report confirming asbestos-related diagnosis
- Medical records documenting treatment
- Imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, PET scans)
- Physician statements on causation
Exposure Documentation:
- Employment records with dates, locations, job duties
- Product identification evidence
- Site documentation (if workplace on approved list)
- Witness statements or co-worker affidavits
- Union records (if applicable)
Legal Requirements:
- Completed trust claim form
- Release agreements
- Proof of exposure to Owens Corning or Fibreboard products
| ⚠️ Documentation Preservation Alert: Given the trust's document destruction policy initiated in 2025, preserving your own exposure evidence is more critical than ever. Gather employment records, photographs, product documentation, and witness contact information immediately. |
Can You File Both an Owens Corning Trust Claim and a Lawsuit?
Yes. Filing an Owens Corning Trust claim does not prevent you from pursuing additional compensation through:
- Other Asbestos Trust Funds: Most victims qualify for multiple trust claims
- Lawsuits Against Solvent Defendants: Companies that haven't filed bankruptcy remain subject to litigation
- VA Benefits: Veterans can receive VA disability compensation alongside trust payments
- Workers' Compensation: Trust payments typically don't affect workers' comp eligibility
| "We coordinate Owens Corning claims with every other available compensation source. The families we help typically recover from 8-12 different trusts, plus lawsuits against companies that are still operating. It's about building a complete recovery strategy, not just filing one claim." — Michelle Whitman, Attorney, Danziger & De Llano |
What Is the Document Destruction Controversy?
In January 2025, the Owens Corning Trust joined several other major asbestos trusts in announcing plans to destroy historical claim records—a move that sparked significant legal and political opposition.
What Happened?
January 15, 2025: Owens Corning Trust issued Notice of Destruction announcing plans to destroy:
- Data and documents related to claimants issued payment 10+ years prior
- Records for claims withdrawn by counsel
- Records for claims deemed withdrawn by trust
April 11, 2025: South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson led a coalition of 15 state Attorneys General in sending letters urging immediate halt to destruction.
April 15, 2025: Despite objections, document destruction began at Owens Corning and other trusts.
Why Does This Matter?
Concerns Raised by State Attorneys General:
- Documents essential for fraud prevention and claim verification
- Records needed for state asbestos transparency laws
- Historical exposure documentation valuable for future claimants
- Potential impact on judicial proceedings requiring trust records
Trusts' Stated Justification:
- Protection of sensitive claimant personal information
- Administrative cost reduction
- Claims that essential records (releases, required documents) will be preserved
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to file a claim with the Owens Corning Trust?
Anyone diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease who can document exposure to Owens Corning or Fibreboard Corporation asbestos products may file a claim. Eligible claimants include workers who installed, removed, or worked near OC insulation products, family members with secondary exposure through contaminated work clothing, and residents of homes containing OC asbestos insulation.
What is the difference between the Owens Corning and Fibreboard subfunds?
The trust operates two separate subfunds with different payment rates. The Owens Corning subfund pays 4.7% of scheduled values and covers exposures to Owens Corning branded products. The Fibreboard subfund pays 3.7% and covers exposures to Fibreboard Corporation products. Claimants may qualify for payments from one or both subfunds depending on their exposure history.
How long does it take to receive payment from the Owens Corning Trust?
Expedited review claims are typically resolved within 90 days to 4 months when complete documentation is submitted. Individual review claims, which evaluate case-specific factors for potentially higher compensation, can take 4-12 months or longer. Processing times depend on the completeness of documentation and the complexity of the claim.
How does the Approved Site List help with my claim?
The Owens Corning Trust maintains a list of over 20,500 locations across the United States where OC asbestos products were documented to have been installed or used. If your workplace or exposure location appears on this list, proving exposure becomes significantly easier because the trust has already confirmed that OC products were present at that site.
Can veterans file Owens Corning Trust claims?
Yes. Military veterans exposed to Owens Corning asbestos products — especially those who served at naval shipyards where Kaylo insulation was extensively used — can file trust claims. VA disability benefits can be pursued simultaneously without reducing trust fund compensation, allowing veterans to collect from multiple sources.
What does the document destruction policy mean for future claimants?
The trust began destroying claim records older than 10 years on April 15, 2025, despite objections from 15 state Attorneys General. While the trust claims essential records will be preserved, claimants should file promptly and maintain their own copies of all exposure evidence, employment records, and medical documentation to avoid relying on trust-held records.
Can I file with multiple asbestos trusts at the same time?
Yes. Most mesothelioma victims were exposed to asbestos products from multiple manufacturers and qualify for 5-15 different trust fund claims. Filing with the Owens Corning Trust does not prevent you from filing with other trusts such as the Johns Manville Trust, Pittsburgh Corning Trust, or W.R. Grace Trust. An experienced asbestos attorney coordinates these filings to maximize total recovery.
How much total compensation can I receive from the Owens Corning Trust and other sources?
While the Owens Corning Trust's mesothelioma payout is approximately $10,105 at the current 4.7% rate, total compensation from all sources is typically much higher. Combined recoveries from multiple trust funds generally total $300,000-$500,000, with exceptional cases exceeding $1 million from trusts alone. Additional compensation through lawsuits, VA benefits, and workers' compensation can increase total recovery further.
Quick Statistics
- $4.9 billion combined initial funding — the third-largest initial endowment among asbestos bankruptcy trusts, behind only the Manville and Celotex/Carey trusts in total capitalization
- 54% claim resolution rate — approximately 436,800 of 809,000+ received claims have been resolved and paid, with remaining claims in various stages of review or supplementation
- $360 million paid in first two years — the trust distributed more than a third of a billion dollars within its initial operating period, reflecting the massive backlog of pending claims at formation
- Two separate payment percentages — the dual-subfund structure (4.7% OC / 3.7% Fibreboard) is unique among major asbestos trusts, requiring claimants to identify which company's products caused their exposure
- 44 manufacturing facilities — Owens Corning operated plants across North America and Europe during its peak asbestos-product era, creating direct occupational exposure for factory workers at each location
- First company to trademark a color — Owens Corning's 1987 PINK trademark registration made corporate history, while the Pink Panther mascot partnership beginning in 1980 remains one of the longest-running brand associations in American advertising
- 15 state Attorneys General opposed document destruction — the April 2025 coalition letter represented the largest coordinated state-level opposition to any asbestos trust administrative action in history
- Peak asbestos product era: 1950s-1970s — overlapping with America's largest residential construction boom and Cold War-era naval shipbuilding expansion, creating widespread worker exposure across both civilian and military sectors
- Fibreboard Corporation acquired by Owens Corning — the combination of both companies' asbestos liabilities into a single trust created one of the most complex dual-subfund structures in the asbestos trust system
- Latency period of 20-50 years — most current claimants were exposed to OC products during the 1950s-1970s peak production era, with mesothelioma diagnoses occurring decades later
Related Wiki Pages
- Asbestos Trust Funds Master Database
- Johns Manville Trust
- Pittsburgh Corning Trust
- W.R. Grace Trust
- Statute of Limitations Guide
- Secondary Exposure Claims
Get Help
- Danziger & De Llano — Call (855) 699-5441 for a free trust fund case evaluation
- Mesothelioma Lawyers Near Me — Free case evaluation and attorney matching
- Mesothelioma.net — Patient resources and trust fund information
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References and Citations
- Asbestos Trust Fund Payouts Guide - Danziger & De Llano
- Asbestos Trust Fund Payments: Eligibility & Claims - Danziger & De Llano
- How Trust Fund Payouts Work: Scheduled vs Individual - Danziger & De Llano
- Owens Corning Corporation: Asbestos Products and Trust - Mesothelioma Lawyer Center
- Mesothelioma Trust Funds Compensation - Mesothelioma.net
- Trust Funds: Compensation Without a Lawsuit - MesotheliomaAttorney.com
This article draws from Owens Corning Trust documentation, court records from asbestos litigation, Securities and Exchange Commission filings, state Attorney General correspondence regarding document destruction policies, and the trust's official 2025 Approved Site List. Payment percentages and asset levels current as of January 2025.