Save Energy and the Climate: Ceresana Offers the Worldwide First Study on the Entire European Market for Insulation Materials

Konstanz, Germany, June 12, 2014 --(PR.com)-- Higher prices for energy, dependency on energy imports and climate change are major challenges for the European Union. Therefore, all member states share an ambitious goal: Until 2020, primary energy consumption is scheduled to be reduced by 20%. Consumption of energy in buildings in particular is to be reduced or, in other words, their energy efficiency is to be improved. Thus, the market research institute Ceresana sees considerable potential for insulation materials. For the first time ever, the analysts have examined in detail the entire European market for mineral wool (glass and rock wool), polystyrene insulation materials (EPS and XPS) as well as insulation materials made from polyurethane. They forecast market value in Europe to rise to more than €21 billion in 2021. For the purpose of this study, Russia, the Ukraine, and Turkey are also counted as European countries.

Construction Development Central Factor

Even though demand for insulation material will not increase as dynamically as it had in the past, legal requirements regarding climate protection still provide positive conditions. Sales volume of insulation materials mainly depends on the development of building construction. National differences can be considerable: Especially in countries hit hard by the economic crisis in 2008/09, e.g. Spain, Portugal or Greece, the construction sectors suffered dramatic losses. Construction industries in countries like Turkey or Russia, on the other hand, experienced a much more positive development. Crucial in determining demand for insulation material in individual countries will be the speed and scope with which respective governments will transcribe EU directives into national law and to which degree the population can be made aware of the necessity to improve the energy efficiency of buildings.

Renovation and Refurbishment Offering Considerable Potential

In many countries, the number of new residential and commercial buildings constructed is falling; therefore, renovation and refurbishment of existing structures play an important role in the development of the market for insulation material. Some countries offer considerable potential in the segment renovation and refurbishment, as a large part of existing buildings are only inadequately insulated. How quickly changes can be affected, however, depends on the willingness of and financial means available to respective governments to attain energy efficiency objectives.

Mineral Wool Most Common Insulation Material

The most commonly used insulation materials in Europe in 2013 were mineral wools, as these products can be used in a wide variety of applications. Glass and rock wool reached a combined market share of 56%, with predominantly glass wool being used. Polystyrene insulation materials report a high market share as well, while consumption of insulation materials based on PUR is notably lower. However, consumption of individual types of insulation materials may vary considerably in individual countries. Besides climatic factors and customer preferences, cost of acquisition, image and technical properties are influential factors.

The Study in Brief:

Chapter 1 provides a presentation and analysis of the European market for insulation materials, including forecasts up to 2021: In addition to revenues, demand and production in each country as well as influencing factors are explained. Detailed data is offered for 18 countries. Information is given on demand for, revenues generated and trade with as well as production of insulation materials. Demand for and production of insulation material are examined in detail, split by the products EPS, XPS, PUR, glass wool, and rock wool.

Chapter 2 offers an overview over the entire European market for insulation materials, split by products. It also contains information on demand for various insulation materials in individual countries.

Chapter 3 provides profiles of the largest manufacturers of insulation material, clearly arranged according to contact details, turnover, profit, product range, production sites, profile summary, products, and applications. Extensive profiles of the 42 most important manufacturers are given, including BASF SE, Knauf Insulation GmbH, Rockwool International A/S, URSA Insulation, S.A. and Compagnie de Saint Gobain S.A.