Abstract
Global demand to rise 4.6% annually through 2012
World demand for insulation materials is projected to increase 4.6 percent
annually to $36.6 billion in 2012. This represents a deceleration from the
rapid gains posted in the 2002- 2007 time frame, reflecting decreased gains in
new construction activity in most geographic markets, as both economic growth
and capital investment slow. The vast majority of demand is concentrated in
construction markets, with the remainder used in industrial, appliance, and
heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) applications.
Foamed plastic, fiberglass to post above-average gains
Foamed plastic and fiberglass represent the most widely used insulation
materials on a global level, accounting for more than three-quarters of total
demand in 2007 in dollar terms. These materials will continue to post
above-average gains through 2012, thus increasing their shares of the market,
reflecting the higher insulation values and versatility of these products.
While foamed plastics are already widely used worldwide, fiberglass demand
remains highly concentrated in North America, although penetration of other
geographic markets will continue to expand.
Developing regions to see most rapid gains in demand
North America and the Asia/Pacific region are the largest markets for
insulation materials, accounting for nearly two-thirds of demand in 2007. At
more than 20 percent of demand, Western Europe is also important.
Nevertheless, other regions of the world (Latin America, Eastern Europe and
Africa/Mideast) will post the most rapid gains through 2012. Other markets
that hold opportunity include the United States (where demand will advance
from a weak 2007 base) and China (where gains will decelerate, but will still
outpace the global average). Western Europe and Japan will continue to post
below-average gains.
Study coverage
This new Freedonia industry study, World Insulation presents historical demand
data (1997, 2002, 2007) plus forecasts for 2012 and 2017 by product (e.g.,
foamed plastics, fiberglass, mineral wool), market (e.g., residential
building, nonresidential building, industrial, HVAC), world region (e.g.,
North America, Western Europe, Asia/Pacific) and major country. The study also
considers market environment variables, evaluates company market share and
profiles 36 industry participants.
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