Demand For Insulation In China Is Forecast To Increase 9.0 Percent Annually Through 2011 To ¥28.4 Billion

Moreover, continued initiatives to improve  energy efficiency in manufacturing processes and in climate control of buildings will also  boost market gains. These and other trends are presented in Insulation in China, a  new study from The Freedonia Group, Inc., a Cleveland-based industry research firm.  Foamed plastic is expected to remain the largest segment and post the fastest  growth through 2011. Foamed plastic generally offers higher R-values per meter than  fiberglass, mineral wool, perlite and vermiculite. Growth opportunities for foamed plastic  will exist in construction, industrial and original equipment manufacturer (OEM)  applications.



Demand gains for fiberglass in value terms will also outpace projected increases for insulation overall, reflecting in part favorable growth in nonresidential  building construction and industrial applications. Consumption increases for mineral  wool and other insulation products will lag demand growth for insulation as a whole  through 2011.



Insulation is widely utilized in residential and nonresidential construction, as well  as industrial applications; heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) uses;  appliances; and transportation equipment. Favorable growth prospects will exist in  nonresidential building construction, and the appliance and transportation equipment  markets. Insulation materials used in nonresidential structures will benefit from strong  construction markets for office, commercial and institutional facilities. Demand for  insulation in appliance and transportation equipment markets will be boosted by growing  production of such equipment, as well as by efforts to reduce their energy consumption.



Demand for insulation materials in residential building and the industrial and  HVAC equipment markets will remain healthy as the economy continues to expand  and living standards rise. Residential uses for insulation will be driven by strong new  housing starts, especially multifamily apartments in urban areas. Industrial and HVAC  equipment applications will be fueled by further increases in manufacturing activities  and continued efforts to improve energy efficiency in manufacturing processes and in  climate control of buildings.