Defense with foam? Foamed plastics could contribute to making the European Union independent of oil and gas from Russia by 2030 and climate-neutral by 2050. The EU Commission now wants to mobilize up to EUR 300 billion to achieve these goals. For the time being, however, supply bottlenecks and rising prices are a major challenge for the construction industry. Ceresana has analyzed the European market for insulation materials in the construction industry for the fifth time. In 2021, around 235 million cubic meters of insulation materials were used in Europe for thermal insulation and soundproofing: primarily mineral wool (glass and stone wool), polystyrene insulation materials (EPS and XPS) and polyurethane (PUR / PIR).

Insulation to help save energy

Well-insulated walls reduce the heating energy demand or the cooling load of buildings - thus also not only reducing costs but also carbon dioxide emissions. Demand for organic insulating materials made from renewable raw materials such as sheep's wool, cork, hemp, flax, wood, coconut and other fibers is growing steadily. These organic products, which are offered for example with the German "Blue Angel" label or the "Austrian Environmental Label," can further improve the energy balance of buildings. In economic terms, however, eco-insulation materials are still of little significance throughout Europe. Mineral insulating materials, especially stone wool and glass wool, have the largest market share. Synthetic insulating materials made of plastics follow closely behind. The types of insulating materials used can vary greatly from region to region. Ceresana's current study therefore covers the specific conditions and factors in individual country chapters.

Foamed plastics for every need

Although synthetic insulating materials are made from petroleum, they are particularly durable, weather-resistant, lightweight and, to date, inexpensive. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) was introduced as early as 1952 under the trade name "Styropor" and has been marketed in Europe as "airpop" since 2014. The relatively coarse-pored EPS rigid foam is permeable to air and water vapor. The finer-pored extruded polystyrene (XPS), on the other hand, has a more closed surface because it is not only foamed up but also passes through an extruder, i.e., it is melted at high temperatures and strongly compressed under high pressure. XPS rigid foam hardly absorbs any water and offers high mechanical strength and compressive strength. Rigid foam panels made of polyurethane (PUR) are particularly elastic; the derivative polyisocyanurate (PIR) scores with better fire protection properties.

In-depth industry analysis on insulation materials

Chapter 1 provides an overview of the European insulation market, with forecasts up to 2031. Comprehensive tables and figures provide up-to-date market data on the most important insulation types: revenues, production and demand for: Expandable Polystyrene (EPS), Extruded Polystyrene (XPS), Polyurethane (PUR/PIR), Glass Wool and Stone Wool.
Chapter 2 presents a complete presentation and analysis of the market for insulation materials in Europe. The market development of insulating materials in 18 countries is examined individually: demand, revenues, production, trade.
Chapter 3 provides useful company profiles of the most important insulation producers, clearly arranged by contact information, revenues, profits, product range, production sites, short profile as well as product types and application areas. Detailed profiles are provided by 60 major manufacturers.
Further information about the market study “Insulation Materials – Europe” (5th edition): https://www.ceresana.com/en/market-studies/industry/insulation-material-europe/


About Ceresana
As one of the world's leading market research institutes, Ceresana specializes in the chemicals, plastics, packaging and industrial goods sectors, with a focus on automotive / mobility. Since 2002, companies have benefited from high-quality industry analyses and forecasts. Over 200 market studies provide more than 10,000 clients around the world with the knowledge base for sustainable success.
More about Ceresana at www.ceresana.com