Application of GFRP Composites Across Various Industries Drives the Market
The application of lightweight composites in electric vehicles (EVs) is especially notable, as minimizing weight can greatly enhance battery efficiency and prolong driving range. In the aerospace industry, GFRP composites find use in various applications, including aircraft fuselages and wing frameworks. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350 XWB are instances of planes that employ composite materials such as GFRP to attain a lighter frame and enhance fuel efficiency. The aerospace industry persists in seeking lighter, more durable materials to minimize total weight, decrease operating expenses, and improve sustainability. Boeing states that composites represent almost 50% of the 787 Dreamliner's weight, highlighting the increasing dependence on these materials in contemporary aircraft design.
Another major demand for GFRP is the wind energy industry, especially in the production of blades for wind turbines. The lightweight yet strong material is preferred for making long, robust blades to be used in adverse weather conditions. According to the Global Wind Energy Council, the global growth in wind energy capacity keeps rising and the increasing size of wind turbines also requires high-performance composite materials such as GFRP. GFRP is the preferred material for mass-producing turbine blades, particularly for offshore wind farms. The use of GFRP is also becoming common in construction and marine industries as it does not corrode in extreme conditions.
GFRP is being utilized more in reinforced concrete, bridge building, and marine structures where conventional materials such as steel would decay from exposure to moisture or chemicals. For instance, GFRP rebar is utilized in infrastructure initiatives in coastal areas to avert corrosion caused by saltwater contact, offering a more durable and long-lasting option. The rising need for GFRP composites in these sectors is fueled by the demand for high-performance materials that deliver strength, minimize weight, enhance energy efficiency, and ensure extended service life across diverse applications. The adaptability and affordability of GFRP render it an essential resource in various industrial fields.
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Technological Advancements Boost the Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) Composites Market
This technology allows manufacturers to create large, intricate composite structures with improved mechanical properties, decreasing both production time and labour expenses. In the aerospace industry, firms such as Boeing are currently employing AFP to create lightweight, high-strength parts for aeroplanes, including fuselage and wing segments. Furthermore, improvements in bio-based resins and recyclable fibres are augmenting the sustainability of GFRP. Producers are investigating bio-derived thermoset resins from renewable materials, aiming to lessen the ecological footprint of GFRP manufacturing. For instance, DSM has created bio-based resins that can substitute conventional alternatives, providing a more environmentally friendly option in the automotive and construction sectors. These technological innovations are enhancing the manufacturing process while also expanding the use of GFRP in sectors that need high-performance materials, including wind energy, construction, and marine, thereby solidifying GFRP's position as an essential material in contemporary manufacturing.
Recent Trends in the Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) Composites Industry
- Gaining popularity in industries such as automotive and aerospace due to their lightweight and high-strength properties.
- Development of recyclable composites and bio-based resins.
- Increasing application of GFRP in the wind energy sector for wind turbine blades and more.
- Increased utilization in construction and infrastructure projects.
- Automated fiber placement and resin transfer molding are revolutionizing GFRP manufacturing.
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Environmental Concerns May Hamper the Growth of GFRP Composites Market
Many GFRP products end up in landfills or incinerators, thus adding to environmental pollution. For instance, the automotive industry has embraced GFRP for its lightweight properties in-vehicle components but is faced with the problem of dealing with the waste produced when these materials reach the end of their useful life. The manufacturing of GFRP requires energy-intensive processes, especially in glass fiber production, which presents a carbon footprint issue. According to a study by the European Commission, producing a kilogram of glass fiber generates up to 4.4 kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions, contributing to global warming. Increased environmental scrutiny on industries to lower carbon footprints and adherence to strict environmental regulations may additionally burden manufacturers to adopt greener materials.
As an outcome of these issues, natural fiber composites (NFCs) are receiving high interest for end-use applications. They use plant-based fibers obtained from crops including hemp, flax or jute. Thus, NFC is a biodegradable more environment-friendly alternative to GFRP composites. This product material is recyclable besides being significantly less polluting when processed in production. Manufacturers in the automotive industry including Ford and BMW are heavily integrating natural fibers in their cars. Additionally, some of the car models have already utilized interiors made from hemp and flax fibers. Similarly, bio-based resins sourced from renewable materials are slowly gaining popularity reducing further the environmental footprint of composites.
The demand for greener alternatives to GFRP is likely to rise due to construction and automotive industries that increasingly emphasize sustainability. Materials with more favorable environmental profiles such as carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRP) and natural fibre composites are expected to rise in demand. These materials are much costlier but are being looked at with renewed interest, which might slow down the adoption of GFRP in these sectors. This is more dominant in regions of Europe, where stringent regulations on waste management and recycling are rampant, and GFRP has been unable to keep up without further advancements in the recycling process. Environmental concerns surrounding GFRP and the increasing trend towards alternative materials could hinder its prominence going forward in many industries.
Strategic Licensing and Product Launches Boost Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) Composites Market Innovation
Similarly, in August 2022, Owens Corning and Pultron Composites declared that they had signed a contract to create a joint venture to produce superior fiberglass rebar. The agreement increases market access to PINKBAR+ Fiberglas rebar used for flatwork and residential applications, and MATEENBAR Fiberglas rebar used for heavy-load structural applications. Similarly, in January 2023, Fibergrate Composite Structures, Inc. announced the inclusion of Microban antimicrobial technology on a variety of fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) products. This feature is available in FGI-AM molded products, including Fibergrate molded grating, Fiberplate, stair treads, and Safe-T-Stand work platforms. This antimicrobial solution was integrated into high-touch exteriors such as guardrails, stepladders, and handrail systems.
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North America as the Vanguard in the Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) Composites Market
Europe continues to be an important market for GFRP composites, exhibiting robust demand in the automotive, construction, and renewable energy industries. In the automotive sector in Germany, housing companies such as BMW, Volkswagen, and Audi, extensively use GFRP in vehicle parts to achieve sustainability and performance objectives. The wind energy industry in Europe is strong, with countries of Germany, Denmark, and the UK leading the application of GFRP in wind turbine blades for onshore and offshore initiatives. The area also emphasizes infrastructure applications, utilizing GFRP for reinforcing bridges and coastal structures to withstand corrosion. Strict environmental regulations in Europe promote the use of GFRP, particularly in applications that need high durability and lightweight characteristics, with France and the Netherlands at the forefront of construction initiatives involving GFRP.
The GFRP composites market in the Asia Pacific is seeing swift expansion, driven by rising demand from the automotive, construction, and wind energy sectors. China is a leading force, propelled by the automotive industry's transition to lightweight materials for better fuel efficiency and the manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs). Firms such as BYD and Geely are integrating GFRP into their electric vehicle models. The wind energy capacity in the region, especially in China and India, has been growing swiftly, with GFRP commonly utilized for producing turbine blades. The construction sector in Japan and South Korea utilizes GFRP to reinforce concrete and structures subjected to severe conditions, such as coastal regions, due to its resistance to corrosion. Moreover, the increasing emphasis on sustainable materials in Asia is boosting interest in GFRP as a lightweight and long-lasting option in these industries.
North America | United States, Canada |
Latin America | Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Rest of Latin America |
Europe | Germany, United Kingdom, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Poland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, Sweden, Austria, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Rest of Europe |
Asia Pacific | China, India, Japan, South Korea, Australia & New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Rest of Asia Pacific |
Middle East and Africa | GCC Countries, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Israel, Iran, Kenya, Turkey, Rest of MEA |
Glass Fibre Reinforced Plastic (GFRP) Composites Market Research Report Covers In-depth Analysis on:
- Glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites market detailed segments and segment-wise market breakdown
- Glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites market dynamics (Recent industry trends, drivers, restraints, growth potential, opportunities in glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites industry)
- Current, historical and forthcoming 10 years market valuation in terms of glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites market size (US$ Mn), volume (Tons), share (%), Y-o-Y growth rate, CAGR (%) analysis
- Glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites market demand analysis
- Glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites market pricing analysis over the forecast period (by key segment and by region)
- Glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites market regional insights with region-wise market breakdown
- Competitive analysis – key companies profiling including their market share, product offerings, and competitive strategies.
- Latest developments and innovations in the glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites market
- Regulatory landscape by key regions and key countries
- Supply chain and value chain analysis in glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites market
- Glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites market sales and distribution strategies
- A comprehensive overview of the parent market
- A detailed viewpoint on glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites market forecast by countries
- Mergers and acquisitions in the glass fibre reinforced plastic (GFRP) composites market
- Essential information to enhance market position
- Robust research methodology