Abstract
US demand to grow 5% annually through 2010
US demand for geosynthetics is projected to increase five percent per year
through 2010 to more than 850 million square yards. Geosynthetics are products
manufactured from man-made materials (typically polymers) for use in earthen
structures and systems. These products include geotextiles, geomembranes,
geogrids, geonets, geosynthetic clay liners, preformed geocomposites, geocells
and geofoams. A recovery in nonbuilding construction spending from a weak 2005
base will fuel advances for geosynthetics demand. Additionally, geosynthetics
will continue to increase their use in a wider range of applications, such as
building construction and mining. Ongoing industry efforts to increase
awareness among engineers and other specifiers of the benefits of
geosynthetics in various markets will also support demand.
Geogrids, smaller types to show stongest growth
In 2005, geotextiles accounted for the largest share of geosynthetics demand,
with approximately three-quarters of the total in area terms. However, in
value terms, geomembranes accounted for the largest share of the market, with
about one-half of the total, as geomembranes are more expensive than
geotextiles per square yard. Smaller volume geosynthetic products such as
geogrids are expected to achieve stronger growth through 2010 than the more
established geotexile and geomembrane segments. Preformed geocomposites will
also see above-average growth. Geogrids and preformed geocomposites are
expected to benefit from the ongoing development of new applications and new
composite combinations.
Construction, transportation markets to lead gains
Among the various markets for geosynthetics, the construction market, which
includes all nontransportation construction activity, was the largest end user
of geosynthetics in 2005, with roughly one-third of the total in area terms.
However, the penetration of geosynthetics into many building and some
nonbuilding applications remains low, providing growth opportunities. In fact,
the construction market will see the strongest gains through 2010 among the
major geosynthetic markets. The transportation market, which encompasses all
transportation infrastructure construction and repair, will also see
above-average gains. Prospects for highway and street construction will be
buoyed by the implementation of projects financed by the Safe, Accountable,
Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity (SAFETEA-LU) Act, which was passed
in August 2005 and secures funding for projects through the 2010 fiscal year.
Landfills, liquid containment and other markets are expected to see a recovery
from the 2000 to 2005 period, but will see growth at or below the industry
average through 2010.
Study coverage
This new Freedonia industry study, Geosynthetics, presents historical demand
data plus forecasts to 2010 and 2015 by product, market and region. The study
also considers market environment factors, evaluates company market share and
profiles major players.
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