PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1662901
PUBLISHER: The Business Research Company | PRODUCT CODE: 1662901
A breathable membrane is a sheet material applied to external wall and roof structures in scenarios where the external cladding lacks complete water-tightness or moisture resistance. Its primary function is to enable water vapor from inside the building to pass through without requiring additional ventilation above the existing insulation layer.
The main types of breathable membranes include polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), and other variants. Polyethylene (PE) is an organic polymer formed by polymerizing ethylene monomer subunits. In breathable membranes, polyethylene (PE) is used to create a waterproof material with moisture resistance that allows gases to pass through but blocks water, thereby enhancing air circulation within the user's environment. These membranes find application in pitched roofs and walls for both residential and non-residential purposes.
The breathable membranes market research report is one of a series of new reports from The Business Research Company that provides breathable membranes statistics, including breathable membranes industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with a breathable membranes market share, detailed breathable membranes market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the breathable membranes industry. The breathable membranes market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.
The breathable membranes market size has grown rapidly in recent years. It will grow from $1.93 billion in 2024 to $2.18 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to construction industry growth, rising awareness of sustainable construction, increased focus on energy-efficient buildings, rise in timber frame construction, demand for waterproofing solutions, prevalence of cold and damp climates.
The breathable membranes market size is expected to see rapid growth in the next few years. It will grow to $3.53 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to global emphasis on green building standards, rising demand for prefabricated construction, innovation in fire-resistant membranes, focus on moisture management in buildings, expansion of commercial construction. Major trends in the forecast period include advancements in material technologies, digitalization and building information modeling, innovation in multifunctional membranes, adoption in agriculture, integration with smart building technologies.
The anticipated growth of the building and construction industry is expected to drive the demand for breathable membranes in the coming years. Breathable membranes are utilized in construction to enhance the thermal efficiency of a building's exterior and to offer temporary weather protection during construction or repair work. Furthermore, these membranes allow buildings to expel moisture, preventing it from accumulating within the walls and leading to dampness and mold problems. For example, the Office for National Statistics (ONS), a UK-based non-ministerial department, reported that annual new construction orders rose by 11.4% in 2022 compared to 2021, reaching a historic high of £80.837 billion ($102.16 billion). Consequently, the growth of the building and construction sector is driving the demand for breathable membranes.
The growth of the breathable membrane market has been propelled by the increased manufacturing of polyethylene. Polyethylene is one of the most widely used plastics globally, known for its versatility, durability, flexibility, and moisture resistance. This plastic polymer is commonly incorporated into breathable membranes to prevent water infiltration while allowing moisture vapor to escape, thereby facilitating moisture transfer and maintaining a comfortable microclimate. For instance, a report from the Australia Institute in January 2024 indicated that Australians consume 3.8 million tonnes of plastic annually, which is equivalent to the weight of 72 Sydney Harbour Bridges. This figure is projected to rise to 9.7 million tonnes by 2049-50. Thus, the heightened production of polyethylene has supported the growth of the breathable membrane market.
A notable trend in the breathable membranes market is the focus on technological advancements by major industry players. Companies are investing in protection technology to reinforce their market positions. For instance, Polartec, a US-based provider of textile solutions, introduced bio-based Power Shield fabric technology in October 2022. This innovative technology relies on plant-based chemicals, is PFAS-free, and offers waterproof properties, breathability, stretch comfort, and high durability. Polartec Power Shield's monolithic membrane, constructed using PFAS-free, plant-based ingredients, provides exceptional protection against external elements such as rain and snow, reflecting the industry's commitment to sustainability and cutting-edge solutions.
Key players in the breathable membrane market are strategically engaging in partnerships to advance and expand 3D membrane lamination technology, demonstrating their commitment to delivering enhanced services to customers. Strategic partnerships, formal alliances between businesses, are established with the shared goal of leveraging resources, knowledge, and expertise. A notable example is the partnership announced in September 2023 between HDry, an Italian-based advanced technology firm specializing in waterproofing outdoor products, and Burton Snowboards, a privately owned US-based snowboard manufacturing company. This collaboration will initially focus on joint research and development efforts within an undisclosed product assortment. HDry's technology involves the direct, three-dimensional application of a waterproof, breathable membrane inside products such as shoes or gloves, eliminating any space for moisture to penetrate or stagnate.
In September 2022, Kingspan Group plc, an Ireland-based building materials company, acquired Ondura Group for an undisclosed amount. This strategic acquisition enables Kingspan Group to expand its presence into the roofing and waterproofing sector. The acquisition encompasses Ondura's affiliated companies, including Onduline, alwitra, and CB, presenting a range of growth and cross-selling opportunities. This strategic positioning not only benefits Kingspan Group in terms of market diversification but also positions the new business to contribute to improving energy efficiency. Ondura, a France-based company specializing in roofing and waterproofing solutions using breathable membranes, strengthens Kingspan's portfolio and market position in the industry.
Major companies operating in the breathable membranes market include DuPont de Nemours Inc, Dorken Coatings GmbH & Co, Soprema Group, General Aniline & FilmMaterials Corporation, Compagnie de Saint-Gobain S.A, Kingspan Group plc, Riwega S.r.l, Klober ltd., Knauf Insulation, PIL Membranes Ltd, Dow Chemical Company, Badische Anilin- und Sodafabrik, Carlisle Companies Incorporated, Johns Manville, Sika Group, Firestone Building Products, Covestro AG, Arkema S.A., Toray Industries, Berry Global Group, Schweitzer-Mauduit International Inc., Saint-Gobain S.A., Cosella-Dorken Products Inc., IKO Industries Ltd., Nitto Denko Corporation, Clopay Plastic Products Company Inc., Fiberweb (India) Ltd., Mitsui Chemicals Inc., Trioplast Industrier AB, W. L. Gore & Associates Inc., Zhejiang Jifa Enterprise Co. Ltd., Daedong
Europe was the largest region in the breathable membranes market in 2024. The regions covered in the breathable membranes market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa
The countries covered in the breathable membranes market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The breathable membranes market consists of sales of polytetrafluoroethylene polymer (PTFE), polyester (PET), and polyurethane (PUR). Values in this market are 'factory gate' values, that is the value of goods sold by the manufacturers or creators of the goods, whether to other entities (including downstream manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, and retailers) or directly to end customers. The value of goods in this market includes related services sold by the creators of the goods.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
Breathable Membranes Global Market Report 2025 from The Business Research Company provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.
This report focuses on breathable membranes market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for breathable membranes ? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The breathable membranes market global report from the Business Research Company answers all these questions and many more.
The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market's historic and forecast market growth by geography.
The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.