Abstract
US glass fiber demand to reach 8 billion pounds by 2011
Glass fiber demand in the US is projected to grow nearly two percent annually
to eight billion pounds in 2011, valued at $6.9 billion. Best increases are
anticipated for glass wool insulation based on renewed growth in
nonresidential building construction and gains in appliance and transportation
markets. Textile glass fiber applications will be constrained by mature
reinforced plastic uses and subdued demand for other reinforced products such
as asphalt shingles. Overall glass fiber advances will result from cost and
performance characteristics resulting from material and technology
enhancements.
Glass wool insulation to remain dominant, offer best growth opportunities
Demand for glass wool (fiberglass) will expand at an above-average pace to 5.1
billion pounds in 2011. Nonresidential building insulation will exhibit the
fastest growth due to rebounding construction expenditures, particularly for
office and industrial applications. Further increases will be threatened by
competition from foamed plastic insulation. Residential construction uses for
fiberglass insulation will be constrained by declining single family housing
starts. Better opportunities are expected in remodeling and renovation areas
such as reinsulation. Industrial and equipment applications will expand at an
above-average pace, driven by modernization activities and associated
industrial machinery purchases.
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