The Chinese Market for Thermal Insulation Products

With the enforcement of energy-saving policies in China, a booming economy and fast-growing construction sector, the market for thermal insulation materials in China has remained buoyant despite the global economic recession. In 2010, total Chinese demand for thermal insulation reached some 133 million m³, equivalent to approximately 4 million t and valued at CNY 65 billion.

By 2020 the Chinese government is determined to reduce its energy consumption by 50 % from that of 2005, which will provide a significant boost for the growth in thermal insulation material demand in China. To achieve the energy saving targets, the government has implemented a series of compulsory energy saving standards and measures.

There are about 40 billion m² of buildings in China currently, of which 75 – 80 % are high energy consuming buildings. The Chinese government focused on transforming 165 million m² of existing buildings in the 11^th five year plan period (2006 – 2010), and will continue to reinforce the transformation of the remaining buildings into energy efficient buildings. Commercial and public buildings will be the focus in the 12^th five year plan period (2011 – 2015); this will provide significant opportunities for the thermal insulation material industry over the next five years. Improvement in incomes and living standards will further boost demand for thermal insulation, as heating and air conditioning in homes become more popular.

The report includes both data for 2010 and forecasts to 2015 for the following product categories: mineral fibre: glass wool & stone wool, EPS, XPS, PU foam, and phenolic foam. Market data split by region and by end-use application is also provided. The price of the market study is EUR 3,500.

Contact: Cathy Galbraith,

End-use sector	2010 (m³)	2015 (m³)	(% Growth per year)
Domestic & commercial building	67,217,100	119,617,800	12.2
Cold stores	3,948,600	7,130,500	12.5
Agricultural storage	1,991,100	3,277,700	10.5
Total building	73,156,800	130,026,000	12.2
Pipe lagging	9,465,700	21,224,000	17.5
Domestic appliances	13,812,000	22,244,000	10.0
Transport	9,743,800	17,332,000	12.2
Process plant	27,060,700	40,466,500	8.4
Total industry	60,082,200	101,266,500	11.0
Grand total	133,239,000	231,292,500	11.7

Source: IAL Consultants