Improving Insulation: Ceresana Presents New Report on the European Market for Insulation Materials

KONSTANZ, Germany - July 25, 2022 - PRLog -- 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, polystyrene insulation materials and polyurethane.

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 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.

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. 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: EPS, XPS), 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.
Chapter 3 provides useful company profiles of the 60 most important insulation producers.

Further information about the market study "Insulation Materials – Europe" (5th edition): https://www.ceresana.com/en/market-studies/industry/insul...