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Resurgence in European Sandwich Panels Market as Value Hits EUR 3,910 Million in 2024

After hitting its bottom in 2023, the market for Sandwich panel has rebounded and is experiencing stable development in 2024. Market projections show 1.1% increase in value sales in 2024, reaching EUR 3,910.5 million. Quantity sales represent 125.8 million square meters, nearly 0.2% above the overall result from 2023 according to a recent market report by Interconnection.

 

Gently landing after turbulent times

Prior to this development, the market peaked in 2022—EUR 0.5 billion above its 2024 total—driven by high inflation, strong product demand, and a surge in construction activity. However, a correction followed in 2023 as construction activity slowed, inflationary pressures eased, and input costs, such as steel, began to decline. This cooling effect deflated the price bubble, with the average price correction -8.1%, bringing the market to a more balanced state in 2024, as detailed in Interconnection’s study.

 

Pole position does not guarantee success

As the situation in 2024 may seem balanced, the development across countries differs. Germany, the biggest market for sandwich panels in 2023, is losing its breath due to downturn in construction activity underscored by domestic and foreign geopolitical uncertainty. Germany is anticipated to be overtaken by even two countries – the United Kingdom and Italy. According to Interconnection data, the prospects for total value sales in the United Kingdom are EUR 715.6 million in 2024.

 

Product group preferences

The most preferred core material is PUR/PIR, with 70.7% share in quantity sales. This preference is driven by its lower price and the need for thinner insulation compared to mineral wool. However, mineral wool has better prospects for increased demand in the coming years due to its fire resistance, ecological benefits such as recyclability and sustainability. Mineral wool reaches 27.0% market share in 2024, with a growth rate of 0.5%, higher than the market average. Steel sheet remains the dominant cover material for sandwich panels, holding a strong 94.8% market share, ahead of aluminum and other materials.

 

Dominance in segment trends

By building type, where sandwich panels are used, the most popular are warehouses, production halls, and agricultural buildings, together accounting for over 70.3% of the total usage of panels. On the other hand, data centers have seen the greatest growth, increasing by 2.2%, despite holding the smallest share of the total. Subsidies for renovation in some regions and the push for energy efficiency are driving the demand for thicker materials. The renovation segment is expected to grow by 1.5%, while the segment using materials thicker than 100mm is expected to grow by 1.0%, while other segments either stagnate or decline.

 

Market competition landscape

The sandwich panels market remains concentrated, with many mergers and acquisition performed mainly by the market leader Kingspan. Together with ArcelorMittal, Lattonedil, Isopan and Tata Steel (including subsidiaries) the TOP5 producers are holding almost two thirds of overall European market. Nevertheless, minor producers play also important role due to their geographical proximity to customers.

 

Interconnection Consulting’s report examines and analyzes the forecast market trajectory for the following European regions: Austria, Benelux, Czechia, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Slovakia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and separately the United States.

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In Europe, a Pipe or Two Are Being Laid Down - 2 Billion Meters to Be Precise

Last year, more than 2 billion meters were sold in Europe’s Top 20 markets as the market for Sanitary Pipes & Fittings suffers by the declining housing market and other problems. The long-term growth trend remains intact and surface heating and cooling will become more important in the next few years. Regarding the material types, metal pipes will see its market shares decline from 18.2% in 2021 to 15.9% in 2027, as the latest study by InterConnection Consulting shows.

 

Radiator Connection Pipes Have, Are and Will Lose Market Shares

The Sanitary Pipes and Fittings market is segmented into surface heating and cooling, radiator connections, and hot and cold water installations. The market share for radiator connections is expected to decline from 25.5% in 2021 to 23.5% by 2027, driven by Europe’s shift to energy-efficient heating solutions. However, the surface heating segment may not see consistent gains across all countries. In Germany, for example, the number of radiators installed in renovations has increased recently due to cost and ease of installation, leading to a temporary rise in market share. Nevertheless, the long-term outlook for surface heating and cooling pipes is strong, with a projected market share of 36.5% by 2027 in Europe.

 

Plastic Pipes Are The Most Popular Choice

Plastic pipes hold a dominant market share of approximately 46%, with slight growth expected in the coming years. Multilayer pipes are the biggest gainers, projected to increase their market share from 35.3% in 2021 to 37.0% by 2027. Conversely, metal pipes are expected to decline in relevance due to rising prices for materials like copper and steel. Within the plastic segment, PEX (Crosslinked Polyethylene) commands the largest share, primarily used for surface heating and cooling systems, while multilayer pipes are favored for radiator connections and hot and cold water installations. Regional variations are notable; for instance, plastic pipes account for only about 11% of the market in Germany due to concerns over water quality, compared to 36% in the Czech Republic for the same application.

 

The Majority of Pipes Are Bought First by Wholesalers

Most companies prefer to sell their products through wholesalers and retailers, with indirect distribution channels dominating the market. In Russia, these channels account for 68% of sales, while in Poland, nearly 100%. The average market share across Europe is about 94%. This dominance is driven by the convenience of a “one-stop-shop” for installers, efficient supply chains in countries like Norway, and the strong market power of building product stores in Germany and Switzerland.

 

 

Producers of sanitary pipes and fittings should strategically pivot towards developing plastic and multilayer pipes, particularly in the surface heating and cooling segment, while considering regional preferences for these materials. Implementing customer loyalty and retention programs, alongside fostering direct relationships with installers, will enhance market share in this growing segment.

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Admonter

At the IC Impulsworkhop "Sales Optimization" we appreciate not only the practical relevance, but also the eloquent language and the perfect rhetoric. The most important benefit for our company was the sales pipeline. Adrian Capellarie (Head of Sales Admonter Holzindustrie)

Deutscher Holzfertigbau Verband

Interconnection provides us with the prefabricated house study a plausible and veritable data basis for the analysis of the actual situation in the prefabricated house market and beyond for the assessment of the future market development. We are happy to use this interpreted data for our lobbying and everyday work.

Thomas Schäfer (Managing Director, Deutscher Holzfertigbau-Verband)

ELK

The prefabricated housing study by Interconnection Consulting shows a real picture of the actual market situation and forms a valuable basis for our strategic decisions.

Gerhard Schuller (CFO ELK)

Epson

EPSON is satisfied with the Interconnection's way of communication with the market and with clients. EPSON is also appriciate the Interconnection's continuous work trying to aim the report to be at the higher level. As a result, EPSON rely on Interconnection data, for the market of POS Printers and Systems.

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Gaulhofer

I appreciate on the forum "Impulsworkshop Vertriebsoptimierung" the practical relevance of Peter Berger linked with his practical examples. I also liked the sovereign presentation style. The most important benefit was for me, on the one hand refresh of methods and also the sales management tools that were shown. Ing. Dietmar Hammer (Head of Product Management Gaulhofer)

Kontron

The most important benefit of the Impulsworkshop "sales optimization" was in my view the procedure of the definition of strengths and the entire sales process. Mr. Berger is very competent and professional. Fabian Freund (Sales Manager, Kontron Austria)

Österreichs Personaldienstleister

The sales management tool "Jobs Intelligence Austria" has become indispensable for many Austrian temporary staffing providers for fast and correct strategic management decisions as well as a daily support tool for hot leads for the sales team. Interconnection Consulting has consider individually to all user needs during development process and also convinces with fast response times during operation.

Dr. Gertraud Höltl (Generalsekretärin Österreichs Personal Dienstleister)

Saint Gobain

Long experience and deep understanding of the construciton industry markets make up the quality of the IC studies. Interconnection Consulting is a constant companion concerning the assessment of markets and helpful for decision-making.

Bernd Blümmers (Directeur General, Saint-Gobain Solar Systems, Central Europe, Aachen)

Salamander

Interconnection Consulting reports deliver a worthfull external perspective and are so a good contrast with regards to our internal market point of views.

Pedro Posada (CEO Salamander Industrial Products Spain)

Scandinavian Business Seating

The IC Report gives a very good overview of the Western European office furniture market, in a well-structured way. The data is helpful to better understand the market developments and drivers.

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Schneider Electric

Under a short time constraint, Interconnection was able to deliver an outstanding study that exceeded my expectation in terms of quality and market breadth. I highly recommend Interconnection to anyone in need of market research.

Jeff Canterberry (Director of Strategy and M&A, Schneider Electric)

Sodexo

When developing new market strategies, Interconnection is a trusted source we always come back to. Christian Frey (Marketing Manager CS DACH)

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