Report

Global board insulation market is projected to witness a CAGR of 5.95% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 10.88 billion in 2023 to USD 17.28 billion in 2031. The market is growing due to urbanization and infrastructure development across the globe, especially in developing countries where there is a growing need for insulation materials in residential and commercial construction projects due to energy efficiency, cost savings, and durability.
The board insulation market is expanding significantly globally due to the evolving regulations for board insulation, energy efficiency, and new technologies. The growing focus is on sustainability and energy efficiency, which are the leading drivers propelling market growth. Both residential and commercial buildings are implementing improved insulation materials to lower energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions as energy costs rise and environmental concerns gain traction.
Stricter construction norms and regulations are aiding in the global extension of the industry. Most countries have passed regulations for higher levels of insulation to remain in a position to meet their goals sustainably. Due to these laws, there is a high demand for new installations or renovation projects to comply with the regulations for insulating materials that meet the required specifications.
The increase in population, urbanization, and infrastructure development has resulted in an expansion of the construction sector with huge demands for board insulation. The need for effective insulation is rising due to the construction of new buildings and the renovation of older ones to ensure comfort, cost saving, and energy efficiency. The insulation technology has undergone recent innovations, which has led to the development of more efficient industrial insulation products such as expanded polystyrene (EPS), extruded polystyrene (XPS), and polyurethane boards that are increasingly considered to increase thermal performance and ease of installation by builders and the property owners respectively.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Factors to Drive the Market Growth
The board insulation market benefits from increasing interest in achieving better energy efficiency and environmental sustainability. The significant push in need for buildings to be set up in a manner that is both resilient to energy losses and environmentally friendly has been growing in consideration of the heightened global concerns over changes in climate and resource depletion. This reshapes the demand for insulating materials, such as board insulations, especially for polystyrene, finding their way to the apex as the leading solution.
Energy Efficiency is one of the front leaders of this trend. Buildings represent a huge share in world energy consumption and, more specifically, in heating and cooling. Board insulation materials such as expanded polystyrene and extruded polystyrene are prized for their high thermal resistance, attributed to the minimization of energy losses. They insulate buildings effectively, thus ensuring that their occupants do not suffer from extreme temperatures, reducing the energy bills and environmental degradation resulting from excessive use of heating and cooling devices. These insulation solutions have gained quick acceptance with the growing commitment to improvement in building energy performance and the adoption of rising codes and standards for better energy efficiency. This enhanced thermal performance lowers energy bills and mitigated environmental impact by decreasing the demand for energy-intensive climate control systems. As a result, EPS and XPS have rapidly gained acceptance due to their alignment with the growing emphasis on improving building energy performance.
Improvements in manufacturing technologies have helped the board insulation market to grow. New production methods and equipment led to a stronger and more cost-effective manufacturing of board insulation materials. For instance, the development of new, more precise methods of XPS extrusion enhances the uniformity and quality of insulation boards.
Rising Construction and Renovation Activities to Drive Market Growth
The global construction industry is experiencing significant growth due to urbanization, population growth, and infrastructure development. The increase in building activity spans residential, commercial, and industrial sectors, that require effective insulation solutions. Additionally, there is a growing trend towards retrofitting and renovating existing buildings to improve energy efficiency and indoor comfort. Both new construction and renovation projects are crucial drivers for the demand of board insulation, as builders and property owners seek materials that offer thermal efficiency and durability.
For instance, Beijing Daxing International Airport, one of the largest and most advanced airports in the world, utilized board insulation as part of its construction to manage the vast facility's thermal performance.
Construction and Building Activity to Drive Asia-Pacific Market Growth
Demand for the board insulation market in Asia-Pacific has intensified due to the rapid pace of urbanization and population growth. Meanwhile, new developments of urban areas are taking place, creating the need for new residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. The high thermal resistivity of insulating materials, such as EPS and XPS, is attractive since it assists in the conservation of energy by regulating temperature levels of the interiors. Relatively, the implementation of the insulating materials grows with the rising infrastructure activity.
For instance, the iconic Marina Bay Sands resort in Singapore, known for its striking architecture and luxury facilities, utilized board insulation in its construction to enhance energy efficiency. High-performance insulation materials, including polystyrene boards, were used in various parts of the building to manage thermal performance and contribute to the overall sustainability of the project.
Furthermore, infrastructure projects are booming in Asia-Pacific, driven by their emergence as one of the world's fastest-growing regions. There is a significant increase in investments aimed at enhancing connectivity, stimulating economic activities, and improving public services. Governments and private investors alike are channeling substantial resources into large-scale infrastructure projects, recognizing their potential to drive growth and elevate the quality of life. Infrastructure developments are on the rise across the area, with large-sized and more project complexities under consideration, increasing an upsurge for top-quality board insulation.
Polystyrene is Majorly Used as a Preferred Material for Board Insulation
One of the primary reasons that polystyrene board insulation is in high demand in markets is its excellent insulation properties. Another primary characteristic of polystyrene boards is moisture resistance. XPS boards are highly resistant to water absorption, making them suitable for applications where moisture exposure is a concern, such as basement walls or exterior insulation systems. This moisture resistance helps prevent issues such as mold and mildew, contributing to a healthier indoor environment and increased insulation durability.
The lightweight nature of polystyrene boards further enhances their appeal. Their reduced weight makes them easier to handle, transport, and install than other insulation materials. This ease of handling can lead to lower labor costs and quicker installation, adding to the overall cost-effectiveness of using polystyrene insulation.
Polystyrene boards have a cellular structure, with EPS containing expanded beads and XPS featuring closed cells filled with air. This forms many small air pockets that impede heat transfer as an insulating material. Therefore, the effective regulation of heat flow by polystyrene insulations with a relatively thin layer makes them an efficient option for various building applications. This capability allows builders to create commercial and residential structures with high levels of thermal performance without significantly adding to the thickness of the insulation.
Future Market Conditions (2024 � 2031F)
� Various authorities and governments worldwide are continuously focusing on and forcing the construction of stricter codes and standards to reduce carbon footprints and achieve the maximum amount of energy efficiency.
� Growing construction and renovation activities worldwide boost the demand for insulation board. This is particularly strong in emerging economies and urban areas where energy-efficient buildings are in demand.
� Fluctuations in the prices of construction materials coupled with diverse climatic conditions boost the demand for insulation boards as a viable option for energy consumption.
� The board insulation market is anticipated to experience maximum growth in Asia-Pacific due to higher rates of urbanization, industrialization, and economic expansion among countries such as China and Indonesia.
� The push towards sustainable and eco-friendly materials might challenge manufacturers who rely on conventional materials with higher environmental impacts.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The market is experiencing consolidation, with major players acquiring smaller firms and forming partnerships to expand their technological capabilities and market reach. Companies are increasingly investing in sustainable practices and materials to meet growing environmental regulations and consumer preferences. Overall, the board insulation market is expected to continue growing due to increasing construction activities, supportive regulations, and ongoing technological advancements. Both established players and new innovators will drive the market forward, with a strong emphasis on innovation and sustainability shaping its future.
In February 2024, Saint Gobain completed its acquisition of CSR Limited, offering a variety of environmentally friendly solutions that can enhance comfort and energy efficiency. CSR Bradford, which is Australia's top provider of insulation, acoustic control, ventilation, and energy-saving products for residential and commercial buildings. Hence, this acquisition is strengthening its presence in Australia construction market.
In August 2022, Natural Polymers, LLC, a Cortland, Illinois-based producer of spray polyurethane foam insulation for building and construction applications, was acquired by Owens Corning.