MARKETS
Windows and window gaskets in West Europe: Value of DM 38 billion
The West European market for windows, including conservatories and curtain walling is estimated to have reached 116sqmm 1993 with a value of DM 38bn according to a new study by EuroTrends Research Ltd (16 Lyonsdown Avenue, GB-New Barnet EN5 1DU). PVC-U has shown steady growth despite a downturn in building due to the continued demand for replacement windows where PVC has a dominant share of the market. The recession in the commercial sector has had a severe impact on aluminium sales although the need for new office building in the former East Germany has reduced the negative trend. Wood will continue to lose out to PVC as both environmental factors and maintenance increase in importance.
Three countries, Germany, Italy and the UK account for 66% of the European glazing market but 73% of the PVC sector. Spain and Italy support a strong aluminium industry accounting for 44% of the European aluminium window market.
The pressure on prices has encouraged primary material suppliers to seek added-value products and the prospects of new legislation on energy conservation has given impetus to low-E glass and gas filling, higher margin systems, which contribute to reduced heat loss in sealed units.
In Part 2 of the study on window gaskets, the market is estimated at 94,000 t of elastomer valued at £ 150m, the all in value of 12% from 1990 partly due to the erosion of margins in EPDM gasket prices as extruders seek cheaper manufacturing sites and greater efficiencies in production. The industry claims to have reached the limits in cost-reduction and some recovery in margins will be seen in the coming year. Thermoplastic elastomers now account for over one third of the industry and new formulations in PVC and TPEs have been developed to meet the new standards proposed by European CEN committees.
The comprehensive report compiled from interviews with over two hundred experts in the window and components industries, reviews the window industry in Part 1 and gaskets in Part 2. The report contains over 50 charts and tables, quantifying the market for windows, gaskets and trends in construction in West Europe and assesses the prospects for growth to 1998. The report concludes with a directory of raw material suppliers, compounders, gasket suppliers and trade associations connected with the window industry.
Three countries, Germany, Italy and the UK account for 66% of the European glazing market but 73% of the PVC sector. Spain and Italy support a strong aluminium industry accounting for 44% of the European aluminium window market.
The pressure on prices has encouraged primary material suppliers to seek added-value products and the prospects of new legislation on energy conservation has given impetus to low-E glass and gas filling, higher margin systems, which contribute to reduced heat loss in sealed units.
In Part 2 of the study on window gaskets, the market is estimated at 94,000 t of elastomer valued at £ 150m, the all in value of 12% from 1990 partly due to the erosion of margins in EPDM gasket prices as extruders seek cheaper manufacturing sites and greater efficiencies in production. The industry claims to have reached the limits in cost-reduction and some recovery in margins will be seen in the coming year. Thermoplastic elastomers now account for over one third of the industry and new formulations in PVC and TPEs have been developed to meet the new standards proposed by European CEN committees.
The comprehensive report compiled from interviews with over two hundred experts in the window and components industries, reviews the window industry in Part 1 and gaskets in Part 2. The report contains over 50 charts and tables, quantifying the market for windows, gaskets and trends in construction in West Europe and assesses the prospects for growth to 1998. The report concludes with a directory of raw material suppliers, compounders, gasket suppliers and trade associations connected with the window industry.
30.11.1994 Plasteurope.com [21085]
Published on 30.11.1994