Construction Chemicals Market Report

Advanced materials and regulatory compliance are pivotal factors fuelling the growth of the construction chemicals market. As the construction industry evolves, there is a growing demand for innovative materials that enhance the performance and sustainability of buildings and infrastructure. The integration of advanced materials is driven by the need for enhanced performance characteristics in construction projects. High-performance coatings that offer superior resistance to extreme weather conditions and chemical exposure are increasingly in demand. For instance, fluoropolymer-based coatings provide excellent durability and resistance to corrosion, making them ideal for protective applications in harsh environments.

Regulatory compliance plays a crucial role in shaping the construction chemicals market. Stringent environmental regulations are pushing manufacturers to develop low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) and eco-friendly products. For instance, the VOC Solvents Emission Directive of the European Union sets emission limit values for the installations in which VOC are applied. These could be limit values for VOC in waste gases or maximum levels of fugitive emissions (expressed as percentage of solvent input) or total emission limit values. In addition, in the Directive a reduction scheme is introduced which allows the operator to achieve emission reduction by other means, such as changing to solvent-free production processes or the use of solvents with lower VOC content, which emit fewer harmful compounds compared to solvent-based alternatives. This shift is not only driven by regulatory requirements but also by a growing consumer preference for sustainable and environmentally responsible products. Similarly, in the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets guidelines for lead content in paints for most paints to 0.009%, which influences the development and use of safer, low-lead alternatives. The advancement of materials and adherence to regulatory standards are central to the construction chemicals market.

Health, safety, and environmental concerns, coupled with economic fluctuations, pose significant challenges to the growth of the construction chemicals market. The construction chemicals industry faces mounting pressure to address the potential health risks associated with its products. Some chemicals may produce health effects that can happen straight away like poisoning and burns, or cause long-term health conditions, like nerve damage, lung damage or cancer. Others can present a physical hazard like fires, explosions and corrosion. Chemicals such as solvents, adhesives, and sealants can emit volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to indoor air pollution and pose health risks to consumers.

Hazardous impact of construction chemicals on the environment might be another factor restraining the growth of the market. The construction chemicals may contain lead, asbestos, silica, hexavalent chromium and isocyanates which are potential hazard and can cause heart ailments, lung damage, sterility, CNS damage, kidney damage, burns, cancer, liver damage and rashes to workers and in some cases, do harm to occupants as well. These chemicals cause environmental damage such as hexavalent chromium is frequently non-biodegradable in nature and asbestos contaminates air, water and soil. The push for sustainability is also influencing product development, with an emphasis on low-impact, eco-friendly chemicals. This trend necessitates significant investment in developing greener alternatives, such as water-based or bio-based products, which may not yet match the performance of traditional chemicals.

Economic fluctuations further worsen these challenges as economic downturns can lead to reduced construction activities, impacting demand for construction chemicals. The volatility in raw material prices, influenced by economic conditions and geopolitical events, also affects production costs. For instance, fluctuations in the price of petrochemical derivatives, a key ingredient in many construction chemicals, can directly impact manufacturing costs and product pricing.

Key players are engaging in strategic partnerships, investments and mergers and acquisitions to gain the upper hand in the market. For instance, in March 2024, Cormart Nigeria Limited announced a strategic partnership as the exclusive distributor and licenced producer with global construction chemicals manufacturer Fosroc in Nigeria. The partnership was aimed at meeting a broad spectrum of construction requirements, offering products such as concrete admixtures, repair and protection systems, waterproofing solutions, protective coatings, flooring systems, joint fillers, and sealants. In addition, in May 2023, Sika has closed the acquisition of MBCC Group, a leading global supplier of construction chemicals. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, MBCC Group has been at the forefront of driving positive change in the construction industry. Similarly, in December 2023, Saint-Gobain announced that it had entered into an agreement to acquire a majority stake in IMPTEK Chova del Ecuador, a leading player in the construction chemicals market in Ecuador providing differentiated and innovative waterproofing solutions. That became SaintGobain’s first manufacturing presence in the country. The same company in the same month acquired Menkol Industries Private Limited, a leading Indian manufacturer in high-added value waterproofing systems. Similarly, in January 2024, Saudi Chemical Company Limited (SCCL) and Dyno Nobel signed an MoU for a new chemical facility in Ras Al Khair. With a gas allocation secured in February 2023, the project aimed to produce 440,000 tonnes of nitric acid and 300,000 tonnes of ammonium nitrate annually.

Many major companies engaging in developments of new products are launching the products in the market. For instance, in March 2024, Pidilite Industries Limited, a leading manufacturer of adhesives, sealants, construction chemicals, and craftsmen products, announced the launch its latest variant Fevikwik Gel. Additionally, in July 2024, Euclid Chemical, a leading manufacturer of specialty concrete and masonry construction products, announced the launch of EucoTilt WB and EucoTilt SB, advancements in bond breaker technology engineered for tilt-up construction. These two new, patent-pending products are the cornerstone of Euclid Chemical’s comprehensive tilt-up package, which is designed to significantly enhance the efficiency, quality and sustainability of tilt-up concrete construction projects.

Asia Pacific dominates the construction chemicals market due to its rapid urbanization, booming infrastructure projects, and burgeoning construction sector. The region's economic growth, particularly in countries like China and India, drives substantial demand for construction chemicals. For instance, China’s massive infrastructure investments for its Belt and Road Initiative, significantly boost the need for advanced construction materials and chemicals, including concrete admixtures and waterproofing agents. Similarly, India’s ambitious Smart Cities Mission involves significant urban development, further propelling the demand for construction chemicals to support new residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. The Asia Pacific region is also a focal point for innovative construction technologies. The adoption of high-performance and sustainable materials is growing, driven by both regulatory pressures and consumer demand for greener solutions. Antimony, used in flame retardants and other construction chemicals, highlights the impact of regional resource availability on the market. China, a major producer of antimony, influences global pricing and availability, affecting construction chemical production costs across Asia Pacific. As Asia Pacific continues to lead in construction activities and infrastructure development, its dominance in the construction chemicals market is expected to persist, driven by both economic growth and a commitment to integrating advanced, sustainable materials into construction practices.

In North America, the construction chemicals market is bolstered by extensive infrastructure development and high demand for advanced building materials. The U.S. and Canada have significant construction activities, including residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects. For instance, the U.S. Department of Transportation spent approximately US$ 44.8 billion on infrastructure improvements in 2023 and transferred an additional US$ 81.5 billion to states, driving demand for durable construction chemicals. However, the market faces challenges from economic fluctuations and fluctuating raw material costs. For example, the price volatility of antimony, a material used in flame retardants and other construction chemicals, can impact overall production costs.

In Europe, the construction chemicals market is characterized by a strong emphasis on sustainability and regulatory compliance. The European Union’s REACH regulations mandate rigorous testing of chemicals, fostering the development of safer and more environmentally friendly products. For example, many European countries are transitioning to water-based paints and adhesives to meet low-VOC standards. The market is also driven by large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the EUR 6 billion investment in the EU’s TEN-T (Trans-European Transport Network), which requires high-performance construction materials. Despite the robust regulatory framework promoting safety and sustainability, European manufacturers face challenges related to raw material costs and competition.