Europe & Asia Pacific Architectural Membranes Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Material (PTFE, ETFE, PVC, and Others), By Application (Commercial Construction, Industrial Construction, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2023-2030

The Europe & Asia Pacific architectural membranes market size was valued at USD 41.30 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow from USD 43.69 billion in 2023 to USD 66.05 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.2% during the forecast period.

Architectural membranes are lightweight spatial structures made of tensioned membranes. They are used to construct facades, roofs, building envelopes, freestanding buildings, accent enclosures, skylights, and indoor ceilings. Commercial and industrial buildings in Europe are expected to show significant growth prospects during the forecast period. Lower interest rates, higher incomes, and higher investment by the European Union and the German government will likely drive market growth. The increased demand for architectural membranes in numerous applications, such as commercial and industrial construction, is projected to drive sales in the Asia Pacific during the forecast period. These factors are expected to drive the Europe & Asia Pacific architectural membranes market during the forecast period.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Halted Supply Chains Severely Impacted Market Growth during the COVID-19

The spread of the COVID-19 pandemic since the last quarter of 2019 led several countries, including Germany, Italy, China, India, and Japan, to impose lockdowns and restrict the flow of resources and products. As both the distribution of finished goods and the supply of raw materials were affected, the COVID-19 severely affected the revenue generation of Europe & Asia Pacific’s manufacturers.

However, after the crisis was under control, the government relaxed the rules to help countries improve the economic value chain by helping domestic and small businesses resume production operations. Membrane producing companies in Europe & Asia Pacific ramped up production to meet the growing demand from the construction industry. Manufacturers have begun their activities by first implementing the specified preventive measures.

LATEST TRENDS

Green Building Initiatives and Focus on Sustainability to Create Growth Opportunities in the Market

The increasing focus on sustainability and green building practices presents a significant opportunity for the Europe & Asia Pacific market. These materials contribute to energy efficiency, reduce carbon footprints, and align with the principles of sustainable construction. Additionally, continuous advancements in membrane technology, including the development of new materials and manufacturing processes, create opportunities for market players. Innovations, such as self-cleaning membranes, energy-generating membranes, and improved insulation properties, drive the Europe & Asia Pacific architectural membranes market growth.

DRIVING FACTORS

Urbanization and Infrastructure Development is Expected to Drive Market

The rapidly growing urban areas and the rising need for infrastructure development, such as stadiums, commercial complexes, and airports, are driving the demand for architectural membranes. These membranes offer benefits, such as creating large, open interior spaces, allowing for natural lighting, and enabling the construction of iconic and visually striking structures. Architectural membranes provide lightweight and flexible solutions, and can be used in various architectural designs, making them particularly suitable for modern urban environments. Increasing demand for advanced membranes from universities, malls, restaurants, bridges, and healthcare institutions is expected to boost market growth.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

High Initial Cost of Installing Architectural Membrane Structures to Hinder Market Growth

The initial cost of installing architectural membrane structures can be higher compared to conventional building materials. This cost can deter a few builders and developers from adopting these systems, especially in cost-sensitive markets. The high upfront cost of materials, installations, and engineering expertise required for membranes can discourage adoption, especially for architectural projects with tight budgets that are expected to restrain the Europe & Asia Pacific architectural membranes market growth.

SEGMENTATION

By Material Analysis

ETFE Segment to lead owing to its Excellent Properties and Several Applications

Based on material, the market is segmented into PTFE, ETFE, PVC, and others. The ETFE segment is anticipated to remain the largest segment in the market during the forecast period. ETFE membranes are used in various applications, such as tensile structures, facades, public spaces, inflatable structures, cladding, roofs, and interiors. The ETFE membrane has different properties, such as translucent, fire-retardant, water-repellent, transparent, and high-resistance.

The PTFE segment witnessed significant growth in the Europe & Asia Pacific market during the forecast period as PTFE provides the lowest maintenance, durable, aesthetic, and translucent cladding option for membrane structures and tensile architecture solutions.

PVC membranes are a cost-effective alternative to traditional roofing systems and can be manufactured in a wide range of colors to suit individual building project requirements. Manufactured in bright white, this flexible fabric membrane reduces radiant heat and helps keep interior temperatures cool in warm weather conditions.

By Application Analysis

Commercial Construction Segment Dominates due to the High Adoption of Membranes in Architectural Projects

Based on application, the market is segmented into commercial construction, industrial construction, and others. The commercial construction segment held a dominant share of the market in 2022. In commercial construction, membranes are often used for large-scale architectural projects, such as sports stadiums, airports, and exhibition centers, as they provide natural light, reduce energy costs, and offer unique and innovative design options. These membranes are often used in residential construction for smaller projects such as pergolas, canopies, and carports in the regions.

The growing urban population is likely to increase the demand for commercial and new residential buildings, thus driving the overall market growth of Europe & Asia Pacific architectural membranes during the forecast period.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

Europe held the largest Europe & Asia Pacific architectural membranes market share in 2022 in terms of value and volume due to the growing demand for sustainable housing. Further, the rising population and the increasing product preference from the construction industry will drive market growth.

Germany is a leading European country with a demand for residential skyscrapers, commercial buildings, and industrial construction. The government's efforts to promote consumer housing in real estate and the availability of efficient wood panel products are expected to drive the market in the country.

The increase in industrial operations, especially in China and India, coupled with a growing population, has increased demand for construction and building activities. This will boost the product demand in Asia Pacific.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Strategic Planning Adopted by Companies to Strengthen their Market Share

The market is moderately consolidated with key players operating in the industry, such as Saint-Gobain, NOWOFOL GmbH & Co. KG, Ningbo Changwei New Materials & Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai DER New Material Co., Ltd., and Fiberflon.

Market players compete with regional and international players for extensive distribution networks, suppliers, product advancements, and regulatory compliance. Moreover, the leading companies have adopted strategies, such as acquisitions and partnerships to expand their existing market share.

LIST OF KEY COMPANY PROFILED:

• Saint-Gobain (France)


• NOWOFOL GmbH & Co. KG (Germany)


• Ningbo Changwei New Materials & Technology Co., Ltd. (China)


• Shanghai DER New Material Co., Ltd (China)


• Sattler PRO-TEX GmbH (Austria)


• Fiberflon (U.S.)


• F.I.T. Industrial Co. Ltd. (Taiwan)


• Serge Ferrari (France)


• Textiles Coated International (TCI) (U.S.)


• Sioen Industries NV (Belgium)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• June 2023 – Saint Gobain made an agreement for the acquisition of Building Products of Canada Corp. The acquired company manufactures wood fiber insulation panels and residential roofing shingles in Canada. Such acquisition helps Saint-Gobain to capture more market share in light and sustainable construction in the Canadian market.


• January 2023 – During the first quarter of 2023, Serge Ferrari acquired a 66% stake in the Spanish company Markleen. Markleen is a manufacturing company that offers innovative membranes specialized for the maritime sector. With this acquisition, the company has extended its membrane business value chain.


• December 2019 – Sioen Industries NV acquired Dickson Coatings from Glen Raven Inc. With this strategic acquisition, Sioen and Dickson planned to partner to develop sun-protection fabrics, outdoor textiles, and PVC-free coated fabrics.

REPORT COVERAGE

The market report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on crucial aspects such as leading companies, materials, and applications. In addition, it offers insights into industry trends and highlights vital industry developments. In addition to the factors mentioned above, the report encompasses various factors contributing to the market's growth in recent years. It further includes historical data & forecasts revenue growth at regional and country levels and analyzes the industry's latest market dynamics and opportunities.

Report Scope & Segmentation