The fiber glass market, both insulated as well as composites, is an important part of the glass industry which has, over the years, maintained a steady growth rate and is largely characterized as a ma…
The fiber glass market, both insulated as well as composites, is an important part of the glass industry which has, over the years, maintained a steady growth rate and is largely characterized as a market, where demand exceeds supply. In recent years, the demand for durable, lightweight and non-corrosive components has increased and this has fuelled the growth of the fiber glass industry. Moreover, the fiber glass industry in both basic and high-tech industries such as construction, automotive, aircraft, electronics, among others has expanded recently. Although, construction is the largest market, production companies have increased their marketing focus on other industries due to the recent US housing market crisis. Apart from this, the global demand for clean energy and infrastructure up-gradation is also expected to boost the composite fiber glass industry“s growth in the future. Geographically, the US is the largest market for fiber glass, both in terms of consumption as well as production. In Europe, Germany is the largest producer of reinforcement fiber glass, followed by France and Italy. Among the emerging markets, China is the largest fiber glass producers and in the next few years, in terms of consumption, the country“s demand is expected to surpass that of the US. Due to government investments (infrastructure), emerging markets including India and Brazil are anticipated to record an increase in demand for composite fiber glass products. Owens Corning is regarded as the global market leader, particularly in the glass fiber reinforcement materials for composites. With the acquisition of Saint Gobain“s reinforcements and composite fabric businesses, the company has redefined the fiber glass market. However, in the recent months China Fiberglass has also consolidated its market position, through both acquisitions as well as introduction of new production lines. Presently, China Fiberglass in the second largest player in the global fiber glass market. The report analyzes the two main segments of the fiber glass industry – insulated as well as composites – and assesses opportunities available for the players. The drivers, opportunities and challenges for the industry have also been analyzed. Furthermore, the report highlights the positioning and strategies of the major global fiber glass manufacturers – Owens Corning, China Fiberglass and PPG Industries.