Owens Corning Trust

Owens Corning Trust Quick Facts
The Pink Panther company's asbestos legacy
Payment Rate	4.7% (2025)
Meso Scheduled Value	$215,000
Actual Meso Payout	~$10,105
Initial Funding	$4.9 Billion (combined)
Claims Paid	436,800+
Approved Sites	20,500+ locations
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Owens Corning Trust: $4.9 Billion Initial Funding, 809,000+ Claims Filed, 20,500+ Documented Exposure Sites

Executive Summary

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 construction workers, shipyard employees, and industrial 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 since its formation.

Why This Matters

Owens Corning products were installed in millions of American homes and buildings during the post-World War II construction boom. The company's 2025 Approved Site List documents over 20,500 locations across the United States where Owens Corning asbestos products were installed, manufactured, or used—making this trust relevant to a substantial portion of mesothelioma cases involving residential, commercial, or industrial exposure.

⛔ 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 Box: Owens Corning Trust Essential Information

Critical Trust Fund Statistics
Trust Structure	Combined Owens Corning/Fibreboard Trust with separate subfunds
Initial Funding	$4.9 billion combined ($1.5B Owens Corning + $3.4B Fibreboard)
Current Assets	Approximately $1.8 billion
Total Paid to Date	Over $1.4-1.5 billion since establishment
Claims Received	Over 809,000 unliquidated claims
Claims Paid	Approximately 436,800 claims
Owens Corning Payment %	4.7% of scheduled values
Fibreboard Payment %	3.7% of scheduled values
Mesothelioma Scheduled Value	$215,000 (actual payout: ~$10,105)
Company Founded	1938 (as independent company)
Headquarters	Toledo, Ohio
Approved Exposure Sites	20,500+ documented U.S. locations (2025 list)

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

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 Filing Your Owens Corning Trust Claim

🛡️ Free Owens Corning Trust Claim Review Our team has helped thousands of families recover compensation from the Owens Corning Trust. We verify exposure against the 20,500+ approved site list, coordinate multi-trust filings, and maximize your total recovery. 📞 Call (866) 222-9990 ✅ Start Your Free Case Review

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.