Global Foamed Plastic Insulation

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This study analyzes global demand for foamed plastic insulation. Historical data (2008, 2013, and 2018) and forecasts for 2023 and 2028 are provided for foamed plastic insulation demand by product (in dollars and metric tons) and market (metric tons and square meters R-1). Demand in value terms is shown at the manufacturers’ level and excludes distributor and retailer markups.

Spray Polyurethane Foam

Products

  • expanded polystyrene (EPS), including graphite polystyrene
  • polyurethane (PUR) and polyisocyanurate (PIR), including rigid board and spray polyurethane foam types
  • extruded polystyrene (XPS)
  • other products (including, elastomeric, phenolic, polyolefin, melamine)

Market Segments

  • residential buildings
  • nonresidential buildings
  • industrial and plant equipment
  • appliances
  • HVAC/air distribution equipment
  • transportation equipment
  • other insulation markets, including insulated coolers and thermoses, insulated packaging, furniture, bedding, nonbuilding/infrastructure construction, and heavy machinery

Both thermal and acoustic insulation are included in the scope of this study. Blowing agents are excluded from the scope.

The metric measures of thermal value used in this study cannot be converted to English units (those used in the Freedonia Group’s US insulation studies) simply by converting square meters to square feet. The metric version of thermal value defines heat transfer in metric units (watts) and is based on a material sample one meter thick; the English version of thermal value defines heat transfer in British thermal units and is based on a material sample one inch thick.

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