What are the differences between Johns Manville and Owens Corning insulation?

Johns Manville and Owens Corning are the two largest fiberglass insulation manufacturers in the US, and while their products perform similarly in terms of R-value, there are notable differences. Owens Corning is known for its Pink Next Gen Fiberglas brand, iconic pink color trademarked in 1985, and marketing with the Pink Panther. It is sold primarily at Home Depot and is positioned as a premium retail brand with softer, less dusty fibers. Johns Manville, owned by Berkshire Hathaway since 2001, is often seen as more of a contractor brand, sold widely at Lowe's and through professional lumber yards, and is typically 10 to 15 percent cheaper for the same R-value. Both now use formaldehyde-free, plant-based binders and are GREENGUARD Gold certified, but Johns Manville pioneered formaldehyde-free batts with its ComfortTherm encapsulated line that has a poly covering to reduce itching. Owens Corning offers a wider range of retail products including FOAMULAR XPS rigid foam, while Johns Manville offers a broader commercial portfolio including Spider spray-in fiberglass and MinWool mineral wool batts for sound and fire. In terms of performance, both meet ASTM standards and achieve labeled R-values. Installers often say Johns Manville Climate Pro blown-in fiberglass has slightly better coverage per bag, while Owens Corning AttiCat is more widely available. Warranty is similar, lifetime limited. Choice often comes down to price and availability.