Construction Sector Sees High Demand for GFRP’s Lightweight and Durable Qualities

The global glass fiber reinforced plastic products market is valued at US$ 18.54 billion in 2023 and is anticipated to grow to US$ 41.92 billion by 2033. Worldwide demand for GFRP products is expected to expand at a CAGR of 8.5% over the next decade.

Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic (GFRP), also known as fibreglass, is a composite material made from a polymer matrix reinforced with glass fibres. It is known for its high strength, lightweight properties, and resistance to corrosion, which makes it an ideal material in various industries such as construction, automotive, aerospace, and marine. GFRP products are widely used for applications like wind turbine blades, automotive body panels, and structural components in buildings. This versatile material has grown in popularity due to its durability, cost-effectiveness, and ability to replace traditional materials like steel and aluminium. The market for GFRP products has been expanding rapidly, driven by increasing demand for strong yet lightweight materials that can withstand harsh environmental conditions.

Market Insights

The demand for GFRP products has increased significantly over the last few years, particularly in industries looking for alternatives to metals that are prone to corrosion and heavy in weight. In the construction industry, for instance, GFRP is used in bridges, facades, and roofing due to its high tensile strength, low weight, and resistance to environmental factors like moisture and temperature variations. Similarly, in the automotive industry, GFRP is being adopted for lightweight vehicle parts to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, which is a major concern for manufacturers in today’s environmentally conscious world.

Another sector benefiting from GFRP products is the renewable energy industry, where the material is used in the production of wind turbine blades. These blades need to be lightweight yet strong enough to endure extreme wind loads, and GFRP provides the necessary structural integrity. This growing trend of renewable energy adoption is further boosting the demand for GFRP products globally.

Market Demand

The demand for GFRP products is being propelled by the need for materials that combine strength with light weight, offering industries an alternative to traditional heavy materials such as steel. One of the key factors driving this demand is the growing emphasis on fuel efficiency in the automotive and aerospace sectors. GFRP’s ability to reduce the overall weight of vehicles and aircraft while maintaining structural integrity makes it an essential material in these industries.

Additionally, the construction industry is experiencing a rising demand for GFRP products due to their excellent corrosion resistance and low maintenance requirements, especially in environments exposed to moisture, chemicals, or high temperatures. In infrastructure projects, such as bridges and coastal structures, the use of GFRP is gaining traction as a solution to the limitations of conventional materials.

The wind energy sector also contributes significantly to the increasing demand for GFRP, as its properties make it ideal for large, lightweight wind turbine blades. This trend is expected to continue as governments around the world push for more investments in renewable energy to meet sustainability goals.

List of Key Companies Profiled in The Report

• Johns Manville
• BGF Industries
• Asahi Glass Company Limited
• Advanced Glassfiber Yarns LLC
• Chomarat Group
• Jushi Group Co. Ltd
• Taishan Fibreglass Inc
• Owens Corning, PPG Industries Inc
• Binani 3B-The Fibreglass Company
• Others

Market Growth

The GFRP products market has witnessed steady growth and is expected to expand further in the coming years. A combination of factors, including growing industrialization, technological advancements, and the shift toward sustainable materials, is fueling this growth. The increasing adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is one area expected to propel the demand for GFRP products, as manufacturers strive to improve vehicle efficiency by reducing weight.

Regionally, Asia-Pacific is emerging as a dominant market for GFRP products, driven by rapid urbanization, infrastructure development, and industrial growth. Countries like China and India are major players in the GFRP market due to their growing automotive and construction sectors. Meanwhile, North America and Europe are also experiencing increased demand for GFRP in advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and renewable energy sectors.

Government initiatives promoting the use of eco-friendly materials and lightweight composites are also playing a crucial role in market growth. This, coupled with the increasing focus on reducing carbon emissions and improving energy efficiency, is expected to ensure strong growth in the GFRP products market for the foreseeable future.

Notable Developments

In terms of notable developments, several key players in the GFRP market have been involved in partnerships and collaborations aimed at expanding their product portfolios and global reach. Major investments are being made to improve manufacturing processes, such as the development of automated production lines and the integration of digital technologies like IoT and AI for better quality control.

In the automotive sector, the use of GFRP in electric vehicle manufacturing has seen significant growth, with several automakers incorporating GFRP into body panels, chassis components, and interior parts to reduce weight and improve energy efficiency. In the renewable energy sector, the demand for GFRP for wind turbine blades continues to rise, with manufacturers scaling up production to meet the growing needs of wind energy projects globally.

Competitive Landscape

Leading market players are prioritizing continuous innovation and product development to deliver advanced GFRP solutions that address the evolving demands of various industries. Significant investments in research and development are being made to improve the performance, durability, and aesthetics of GFRP products. Companies are focusing on new product launches, strategic collaborations, and partnerships to attract a broader customer base and strengthen their competitive position.

In February 2023, Toray Industries, Inc. unveiled a pioneering high-speed thermal welding technology for carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs). This state-of-the-art technology offers several advantages, including significant weight reduction and faster production rates for CFRP airframes.