GLASS FIBERS (US industry forecasts for 2013 & 2018)

Abstract

Glass fiber demand in the US is projected to expand 3.3 percent annually to 7.2 billion pounds in 2013, valued at nearly 7.0 billion. Best growth is anticipated for glass wool fiber, with overall demand constrained by slower textile glass fiber advances in reinforced uses outside of plastics, as well as nonreinforced applications. Price increases will expand less than one percent annually through 2013 as a result of intense competition, adequate capacity and growing imports of lower cost textile glass fiber materials.

Glass wool (fiberglass) insulation demand is expected to rise nearly four percent annually to 4.5 billion pounds in 2013. This represents a considerable improvement over the performance of the 2003- 2008 time frame, which was adversely impacted by the collapse of the residential building market in 2007 and 2008. However, the basic demand fundamentals for fiberglass will be much improved as activity in new residential housing and improvements rebounds.

Textile glass fiber demand, which posted slight annual declines between 2003 and 2008, is expected to expand 2.3 percent yearly to 2.8 billion pounds in 2013, paced by opportunities in reinforced plastics. Demand for reinforced plastics will increase 2.6 percent annually to 1.3 billion pounds in 2013. Textile glass fibers are low cost, versatile and corrosion resistant materials used in both reinforced and nonreinforced applications. Further textile glass fiber growth will be constrained by maturing applications.

Rapid advances in nanomaterial reinforcements are anticipated as supplies increase and prices become more competitive. Nanomaterial advantages as plastic reinforcements include their significantly reduced loading factors and unique performance properties.

Demand for textile glass fiber in other reinforced applications will increase 2.2 percent annually to 1.2 billion pounds in 2013. Subdued growth reflects slow advances in mature mechanical rubber and paper product uses. Opportunities are expected for fiberglass asphalt shingles and related construction products in light of renewed building residential construction advances. Nonreinforcement applications for textile glass fibers will rise at a slower rate based on maturity in key uses such as filtration products, insulation materials (e.g., high temperature gaskets) and home furnishings.

Study coverage

This new Freedonia industry study, Glass Fibers, presents historical demand data (1998, 2003 and 2008) plus forecasts for 2013 and 2018 for textile glass and glass wool fibers by type and market. The study also assesses market environment factors, evaluates company market share data and profiles 41 industry competitors.

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• Establishing consistent economic and market forecasts
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